New Delhi: In a heart-wrenching incident, the owner and coordinator of a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, have been arrested following the tragic deaths of three students due to sudden flooding in the basement. An FIR has been registered under multiple serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, spotlighting the severity of the charges and potential punishments.
Victims of the Tragedy
The victims, Shreya Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, Tania Soni from Telangana, and Navin Delvin from Ernakulam in Kerala, lost their lives in the tragic accident. The incident has sparked a thorough investigation into the management of the coaching centre and the local civic authorities responsible for safety regulations.
Legal Implications and Sections Involved
Legal experts have highlighted the gravity of the charges filed under the following sections of the IPC:
- Section 105: Punishment for unintentional murder, which can result in life imprisonment or a minimum of 5 to 10 years in prison, along with a fine.
- Section 106: Causing death by negligence, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine.
- Section 152: Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, which can result in life imprisonment or a 7-year term along with a fine.
- Section 290: Negligent conduct relating to the demolition, repair, or construction of buildings, punishable by up to 6 months in prison, a fine of 5000 rupees, or both.
- Section 35: Right to the private defence of body and property, relevant in determining the extent of negligence and liability.
Public Outcry and Protests
Following the tragic incident, a wave of protests erupted in Rajendra Nagar. Students gathered in large numbers, staging a sit-in outside the coaching centre, demanding justice for the deceased.
AAP MP Swati Maliwal visited the protest site, expressing deep concern over the absence of Delhi government officials. “The children are very sad and very angry. It has been more than 12 hours, but neither any minister of the Delhi government nor the mayor of Delhi has come. No official has come. These children have been left to fend for themselves,” Maliwal said. She called the incident a “murder,” demanding an FIR against top Delhi government officials and compensation of 1 crore rupees for the families of the victims. She urged immediate intervention from the Delhi minister and mayor, questioning the accountability of the civic authorities.
Investigation and Accountability
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with both the coaching centre management and civic agency officials under scrutiny. Authorities are focusing on lapses in safety measures and negligence that led to the basement flooding, resulting in the tragic loss of young lives.
This incident has raised significant questions about the safety standards and regulatory oversight in educational institutions, especially in densely populated urban areas. The outcome of this investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched as it has far-reaching implications for public safety and accountability.
The tragic deaths of Shreya Yadav, Tania Soni, and Navin Delvin have underscored the urgent need for stringent safety measures in educational institutions. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such incidents in the future.
