Tragic Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: Shocking Negligence Leads to Suspension of Fire Officers
Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has sanctioned the suspension of two Delhi Fire Services officers for alleged negligence leading to the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants in July. Divisional Officer Ved Pal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udai Vir Singh, both Group A officers, are accused of negligence in issuing a fire safety certificate to a coaching centre. This facility was illegally using its basement as a library, where the students died during rapid flooding on July 27 in Old Rajender Nagar. The three victims—Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalvin from Kerala—were trapped in the flooded basement.
The L-G’s office labeled this suspension as a preliminary step towards accountability, with further disciplinary actions expected from the National Capital Civil Service Authority. A detailed inquiry by the District Magistrate (Central) uncovered that the officers had inspected the premises for fire safety certification but failed to report the misuse of the basement, resulting in its approval on July 9. They also neglected to refer the case to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The investigation implicated other MCD authorities, who neglected their duty to inspect and seal the illegally operated basement library, issuing a completion-cum-occupancy certificate in September 2021. The inquiry also highlighted shortcomings in the area’s drainage infrastructure managed by the Public Works Department. Consequently, actions are being initiated against additional MCD and Public Works officials involved.
This incident underscores severe lapses in regulatory oversight and highlights the tragic consequences of administrative negligence. Immediate remedial actions are anticipated to address these failures and prevent future occurrences.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-coaching-centre-deaths-l-g-nod-to-suspend-two-fire-officers-for-negligence-9741428/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2024-12-24 06:04:00
