Coaching centre deaths: L-G suspends 2 Fire Safety officers

In a significant development following the tragic deaths of three students at a coaching centre, Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, in July, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena has approved the immediate suspension of two senior officers from the Fire Safety Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The suspension of Ved Pal, Divisional Officer, and Udai Vir Singh, Assistant Divisional Officer, both Group A officers, comes after a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred in July 2024.

Did not report misuse of basement

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A detailed inquiry found that the two suspended officers had inspected the premises in July 2024 for the issuance of a Fire Safety Certificate. However, they failed to report the misuse of the basement as a library

They did not refer the matter to the MCD, despite being aware of the violations. The Fire Safety Certificate was wrongfully issued

The investigation implicated MCD officials, who had neglected their responsibility to inspect and seal the illegally operating basement

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The MCD had issued a completion-cum-occupancy certificate for the building in September 2021, despite violations

Public Works Department (PWD) has come under scrutiny for poor drainage infrastructure in the area

On July 27, the basement of the coaching centre, which was being used as a library, got flooded following heavy rainfall. The resulting flood trapped three students inside, leading to their unfortunate deaths.

A detailed inquiry, led by the District Magistrate (Central), found that the two suspended officers had inspected the premises in July 2024 for the issuance of a Fire Safety Certificate. However, they failed to report the misuse of the basement as a library and did not refer the matter to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), despite being aware of the violations. As a result, the Fire Safety Certificate was wrongfully issued on July 9, 2024.

The investigation also implicated MCD officials, who had neglected their responsibility to inspect and seal the illegally operating basement. Moreover, it was revealed that the MCD had issued a completion-cum-occupancy certificate for the building in September 2021, despite the violations. Additionally, the Public Works Department (PWD) has come under scrutiny for poor drainage infrastructure in the area, which contributed to the flooding.

Following the suspension of the two Fire Safety officers, further disciplinary action is being considered against MCD and PWD officials involved. The case will now be referred to the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) for recommendations on additional punitive measures.