New Delhi, August 2, 2024 – The Delhi High Court on Friday issued strong criticism towards the Delhi Police regarding their investigation into the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in the flooded basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan was addressing a plea seeking a high-level inquiry into the incident. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted so far, highlighting the apparent inadequacies in the police’s approach.
“Mercifully, you have not challaned rainwater for entering the basement,” remarked the judge, referring to the police’s arrest of SUV driver Manuj Kathuria. Kathuria was accused of driving through the flooded street, allegedly causing the water to inundate the building’s basement. He was released on bail on Thursday after culpable homicide charges were dropped.
The court questioned the police’s efforts in identifying those responsible for sanctioning the building plans. When the police mentioned that they had inquired about it, the court responded sternly, emphasizing the police’s power and responsibility to obtain necessary information. “You talk as if you are powerless. After all, you are police. You will get everything. You can go seize files from the MCD office,” the judge stated, urging the police to be more proactive.
Additionally, the court criticized civic officials for failing to report non-functioning storm water drains in Rajinder Nagar to the commissioner, pointing out the negligence in addressing infrastructure issues.
The Delhi High Court directed the police to conduct a thorough and scientific investigation, free from external pressures, to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
