Three students lost their lives after being trapped for over four hours in a flooded basement at Rau's IAS Study Circle, a popular coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar, West Delhi. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, following sudden flooding caused by heavy rains.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Emergency services received a distress call at 7:19 PM, prompting the dispatch of five fire engines to the scene. Despite the swift response, the bodies of two female students were retrieved hours into the operation. The body of the third student, a male, was recovered later in the night.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Delhi), M Harshavardhan, stated, "The bodies have been sent to the hospital for further legal action. Rescue operations are still underway. The water is being pumped out, and there is still about 7 feet of water in the basement... I request the student community not to come here and hamper the rescue services."

Continuing Rescue Efforts

Delhi Fire Chief Atul Garg confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing to ensure no one else was trapped. Earlier reports indicated that 30 students had managed to escape the flooded basement.

Previous Incidents and Official Responses

This incident follows the recent electrocution of a UPSC aspirant attempting to navigate a waterlogged street in nearby Patel Nagar. In response to the latest tragedy, Delhi Public Works Department Minister Atishi acknowledged the flooding's cause—heavy rainfall—and assured that both the local AAP MLA, Durgesh Pathak, and Mayor Shelly Oberoi had arrived at the site.

Minister Atishi, in a post on X, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "Anyone found guilty will not be spared." She has called for a magisterial inquiry and requested a report within 24 hours.

Political Repercussions

The incident has sparked a political dispute. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized the AAP government, claiming the tragedy could have been averted. "Dedicated BJP workers repeatedly urged Durgesh Pathak to ensure the sewers in this area were cleaned and de-silted. If that had been done, this tragedy would not have happened," she asserted.

In response, MLA Durgesh Pathak suggested the flooding resulted from an exploded drain or sewer and deflected blame towards the BJP, highlighting their long tenure in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi without constructing adequate drainage. "This is not the time for politics. The focus now is on saving the students," he emphasized.