Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela remarked that MCD officials appeared indifferent, and such negligence had become routine. The Delhi High Court criticized the police and MCD over the drowning of three civil services aspirants in the basement of a coaching center in Rajinder Nagar, questioning how the students could have been unable to escape.
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NEW DELHI: On Friday (2nd Aug): The Delhi High Court expressed displeasure over the failure to implement its orders, criticizing the concerned authorities for their lack of respect for the law. Subsequently, Delhi HC transfers to CBI the probe in death of three Civil Services aspirants in Rajendra Nagar area.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela remarked that MCD officials appeared indifferent, and such negligence had become routine.
During the hearing today, the Delhi High Court stated,
“Given the nature of the incident and to maintain public confidence in the investigation, this court transfers the case to the CBI.”
The court added,
“Considering the seriousness of the incident and the potential involvement of corruption by public officials, we are transferring the investigation to the CBI. Additionally, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is directed to appoint an official to supervise the CBI’s investigation.”
Further, the Delhi High Court criticized the police and MCD over the drowning of three civil services aspirants in the basement of a coaching center in Rajinder Nagar, questioning how the students could have been unable to escape.
The bench inquired why MCD officials had not notified the commissioner about the non-functioning storm water drains in the area.
The court was hearing a PIL seeking the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the deaths of UPSC aspirants in the Old Rajender Nagar area.
The court made a pointed remark to the police, saying, “Mercifully, you have not challaned rainwater for entering into basement, the way you arrested the SUV driver for driving his car there.”
The petitioner’s counsel alleged possible complicity of the Delhi Police, highlighting the involvement of a local police chowki in the incident. The MCD lawyer mentioned that actions had been taken against everyone except Rau Coaching Centre, as it is considered case property.
The court questioned the MCD commissioner, stressing the importance of their actions for the city, and inquired whether desilting had been performed. It also asked the DCP if the investigating officer had obtained maps of the area’s water drains. The DCP replied that a notice had been issued to MCD officials regarding the matter.
It was disclosed that the drainage system in the area was almost nonexistent, with roads serving as makeshift drains.
The high court emphasized the need to avoid punishing the innocent while letting the actual culprits go free. It directed the Delhi Police to provide a clear account of the facts, cautioning against a “brothers’ club” mentality and asserting that public authorities were not performing their duties effectively. The court stressed that no one is above the law, including those in positions of power.
READ ALSO: Delhi HC Mandates Safety Inspection of Mukherjee Nagar Coaching Centres
The court instructed the Delhi Police to conduct the investigation scientifically and resist any external pressures.
