Delhi Police Investigates MCD Over Drainage Failures in Tragic Basement Flooding

Delhi Police may question MCD officials regarding the desilting of drains after three students died in a basement flooding. The police are writing to the MCD and may summon officers. The drainage system failure led to rainwater accumulation and flood. An FIR has been registered, and two individuals were arrested.

Delhi Police may question MCD officials about the desilting of drains and the issuance of a clearance certificate to Rau's IAS Study Circle after three students died in a basement flooding, sources revealed on Monday.

The police will write to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding these issues and may summon relevant officers during the investigation if required.

The MCD is accountable for the desilting of stormwater drains. Allegations indicate that the drainage system near the Old Rajinder Nagar coaching center malfunctioned, causing rainwater accumulation and flooding into the basement.

A Delhi Police official reported that they would seek MCD's details about drain cleaning operations and the number of inspections conducted in the area.

The police will also request MCD to provide the occupancy certificate, as the basement was reportedly intended for parking and household storage but was being used as a library.

The owner installed a biometric access system in the basement, which was not disclosed for its intended use.

Delhi Police registered an FIR, mobilized multiple probe teams, and arrested the owner and coordinator of the IAS Study Circle for culpable homicide and additional charges.

On Sunday, both accused were remanded to Tihar Jail for 14 days of judicial custody.

Sources indicated that a prior complaint about the basement's illegal use was filed with the Delhi government, but no action was taken.

A senior officer mentioned that more people suspected of involvement could be arrested or summoned shortly.

The FIR stated that rainwater flooded the basement due to non-functional drainage systems, requiring five hours to pump out during the rescue operation. The deceased were identified as IAS aspirants Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nevin Delvin.