A UPSC aspirant lost his life after being trapped in the basement of a coaching centre that was suddenly flooded due to torrential rains. Disturbing CCTV footage has emerged, showing the exact moment water began pouring into the basement, sealing the fate of the young student.
The victim, identified as 24-year-old Rajesh Kumar, was one of the many students diligently preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations at the prestigious Excel IAS Academy in Mukherjee Nagar. The area, known for its numerous coaching centres, was hit by an unexpected and severe downpour on Sunday afternoon.
The CCTV footage, which has since gone viral on social media, shows students in the basement initially focused on their studies. However, within moments, water can be seen seeping in through the doors and windows. The trickle quickly turns into a torrent, creating chaos as students scramble to evacuate. Unfortunately, Rajesh Kumar was unable to escape in time and was found unconscious by rescue teams later. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at the hospital.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting that the building’s drainage system was inadequate to handle the sudden deluge. “This is a grave oversight. Coaching centres must ensure the safety of their students, especially in disaster-prone areas,” said a senior official from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
Family members of the deceased are devastated and have called for stringent action against the coaching centre’s management. “My son had dreams of serving the nation, and this negligence has shattered those dreams. We demand justice,” said Kumar’s father, his voice breaking with emotion.
The tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about the safety standards of educational institutions in flood-prone areas. Students and parents are urging authorities to conduct rigorous safety audits to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Delhi government has announced compensation for the victim’s family and promised to take immediate steps to improve infrastructure and safety measures in all coaching centres across the city.
As the UPSC community mourns the loss of one of their own, this incident stands as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities students face and the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols.