Three students had died in a tragic accident that took place in July 2024 in the basement of RAU Coaching Center located in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi. This incident shook the capital. Now in this matter Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has given permission to take disciplinary action against two senior officers of the fire department.

According to the information, charges of serious negligence and concealment of facts have been proved against both Divisional Officer Vedpal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udayveer Singh.

Both officers were suspended after the accident

According to media reports, action will be taken against both Divisional Officer Vedpal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udayveer Singh. In fact, both of them had already been suspended after the accident. Now the Lieutenant Governor has approved to initiate departmental disciplinary action against him under Rules 14 and 18 of CCS (CCA) Rules 1965.

Three students died in the accident

The incident took place on the night of 27 July 2024, when due to heavy rains in Delhi, the basement of Rau Coaching Center was suddenly filled with water. At that time, three students were studying in the library there and within a few minutes they died due to water and suffocating atmosphere. Later investigation revealed that the basement was being used illegally as a library and sitting room, although this was clearly prohibited.

Fire safety certificate was issued on the recommendation

The investigation also revealed that during the inspection on July 1, 2024, both the fire officials hid the fact that a students’ library was running in the basement. On his recommendation, fire safety certificate was issued to the building on 9 July 2024, after which activities continued there. This negligence took the lives of three innocent students.

Any kind of negligence or corruption will not be tolerated in the departments – V.K. Saxena

After the accident, both the officers were held responsible in the investigation report of the District Magistrate, after which they were suspended. Now the Lieutenant Governor has directed the Vigilance Directorate to complete action against both of them within the stipulated time.

V.K. Saxena said that any kind of negligence or corruption will not be tolerated in the departments related to public safety. This incident is a serious lesson that even a small mistake in a sensitive matter like fire safety can lead to a major tragedy.