L-G approves action against two officers for negligence in Rajinder Nagar coaching deaths in Delhi

Both officers were suspended by the L-G last year after a probe by the district magistrate in the matter

On July 27 last year, the basement library of RAU's IAS Study Circle in Rajinder Nagar area flooded following heavy rainfall, resulting in the death of three students who were stranded there (File Photo)

Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V K Saxena on Friday approved disciplinary proceedings against two Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials for alleged “negligence of duty” and “concealment of facts” in connection with the death of three IAS aspirants due to rain-induced flooding in the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar last July, the L-G office said on Friday.

Divisional Officer Ved Pal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udai Vir Singh — two ‘Group A’ officers — are accused of negligence of duty and concealment of facts under Rule 18, read with Rule 14, of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.

On July 27 last year, the basement library of RAU’s IAS Study Circle in Rajinder Nagar area flooded following heavy rainfall, resulting in the death of three students who were stranded there.

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According to an official from the LG office, the two officers, on July 1 last year, had inspected the premises for issuance of Fire Safety Certificate, and gave a go-ahead for the basement to be illegally used as a seating room/library. On the basis of their wrong recommendation, the certificate was issued on July 9, 2024 by the DFS.

“Ved Pal and Udai Vir Singh gave a go ahead for the basement to be illegally used as a seating room/library. Both were found responsible for concealment of the fact regarding misuse of the basement as a library and failure on their part for referring the matter of misuse of the basement as a library,” the official added.

Both officers were suspended by the L-G last year after a probe by the district magistrate in the matter.

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