On July 27, 2024, a devastating incident struck Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, resulting in the tragic loss of three civil services aspirants’ lives. (Image: Moneycontrol/Siddharth Chakravorty)
The day began with heavy rains that overwhelmed the drainage system in Old Rajinder Nagar. The incessant downpour led to severe flooding, and water from a nearby drain surged into the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle. This basement housed a library where students were preparing for their civil services exams. (Image: Moneycontrol/Siddharth Chakravorty)
The basement, crucial for students’ study sessions, quickly submerged under the floodwaters. The rising water levels trapped the students inside, creating a dire situation. Despite the severity of the flooding, initial rescue efforts were hampered by the high water levels and the confined space. (Image: Moneycontrol/Siddharth Chakravorty)
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene within hours of the incident. They launched a vigorous rescue operation, using ropes and other specialised equipment to reach those trapped. While their efforts successfully saved several lives, the floodwaters prevented the rescue of the three students. (Image: Moneycontrol/Siddharth Chakravorty)
Despite the swift response from rescue teams, the trapped students—Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwain from Kerala—could not be saved. Their deaths marked a tragic outcome of the flooding disaster. (Image: PTI)
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took immediate action. On July 28, they sealed the basements of 13 coaching centers in Karol Bagh for violating building bye-laws. Protests erupted among students, who criticised the mandatory biometric access to basements used as libraries. (Image: PTI)
The Delhi Police arrested the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre, charging them with culpable homicide, among other offenses. Additionally, seven individuals, including the driver of an SUV, were arrested in connection with the incident. (Image: Moneycontrol/Siddharth Chakravorty)
On July 30, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena assured that appropriate measures would be taken in response to the tragedy. This disaster underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and better infrastructure to protect lives during extreme weather events. (Image: PTI)
