On Friday(2nd August), Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver implicated in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi, was released from Tihar Jail following bail granted by Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court. The release came amid allegations that Kathuria’s reckless driving caused a flood in the coaching center’s basement where the victims were trapped.
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DELHI: Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver implicated in the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a coaching center’s basement in Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar, was released from Tihar jail on Friday(2nd August). His release followed the bail granted by Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court. The court’s decision came amidst allegations that Kathuria drove his vehicle in a rash and negligent manner, causing a surge of water to flood the basement where the victims were located.
On Thursday, Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Kumar reviewed the case and stated that Kathuria was “implicated due to over-enthusiasm.” The judge also took into account the reply filed by the Delhi police before pronouncing the bail order. Judge Kumar’s observation highlighted a potential overreach in the enthusiasm of implicating Kathuria.
Kathuria was granted bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000, along with a surety of the same amount. The decision to grant bail was significant given the severe nature of the allegations.
The incident in question occurred when Kathuria was driving his sports utility vehicle (SUV) through a rain-flooded street in central Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. It is alleged that his reckless driving caused a wave of water to breach the gates of the three-storey Rau’s IAS Study Circle building. The resultant flooding of its basement tragically led to the deaths of three UPSC aspirants.
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The Delhi police alleged that Kathuria was driving at a high speed, resulting in a wave so strong that it caused three iron gates to crash. This assertion formed the crux of their case against him. However, Kathuria’s plea contended that he was not associated with the offense and had been falsely implicated. His defense argued that any alleged involvement was purely speculative.
During the bail arguments, Kathuria’s counsel emphasized the lack of evidence for overspeeding.
“I have not been charged with negligent or rash driving, despite the fact that the accused was driving at high speed. So, how can I be charged with an offense under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)?”
–Advocate Malhotra argued, stressing the inconsistency in the charges.
Kathuria, a businessman, found himself at the center of this tragedy. The flood caused by his vehicle’s alleged rash driving led to a catastrophic situation at the coaching center. So far, the Delhi police have arrested seven individuals, including Kathuria, in connection with the incident. The case has drawn significant attention due to the unfortunate loss of young lives and the subsequent legal proceedings.
