Delhi Tragedy: PhD Student and Two Others Lose Lives in Coaching Center Flooding

A tragic incident at RAU’S IAS Study Center in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, resulted in the deaths of three students after the basement unexpectedly flooded. The victims include a PhD student from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and two other students, who have now been identified. In response, the Delhi government has initiated a magisterial inquiry, and students are demanding accountability.

The deceased students’ bodies have been transported to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for post-mortem. Among the victims is Nevin Dalvin from Kerala, who had been preparing for exams at the center for the past eight months while pursuing a PhD at JNU. Dalvin resided in Patel Nagar and frequently studied in the center’s library. The other two victims, Tanya Soni and Shreya Yadav, both 25 years old, were also students at the coaching center. Shreya Yadav had joined the center recently and was from Ambedkarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh.

According to the Delhi Fire Department, the emergency call reporting the flooded basement came in at 7 PM on Saturday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly initiated a rescue operation. Unfortunately, the basement, which housed the library, was filled with water due to heavy rainfall, trapping 30 students. Despite efforts, three students could not be saved, and their bodies were recovered after a challenging rescue mission.

Witnesses described the rapid flooding, with water reaching knee-level within minutes and eventually filling the basement to a depth of 10-12 feet. Divers and ropes were used in the rescue efforts, but visibility was severely hampered by the dirty water.

Students have criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for neglecting infrastructure maintenance, which they believe contributed to the disaster. Delhi Government’s Education Minister Atishi has assured the public of a thorough investigation, promising that those responsible will be held accountable.