UPSC coaching centre deaths: NHRC seeks report from Delhi Govt, asks for details of errant institutes

Calling for a detailed report within two weeks, the commission sought responses from the chief secretary, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi; the commissioner of police; and the municipal corporation commissioner. Additionally, the commission observed that news reports “indicated negligence on the part of the authorities” and said that they could not escape liability.

The commission also said the chief secretary had been asked to get a “thorough survey” done to ascertain the exact number of such institutes and coaching centres running in violation of prescribed norms across the national capital.

“Every detail of such institutes including complaints pending against them and action taken by the department concerned is to be mentioned in the report. The Commission would like to know about the action taken against the responsible public servants who failed to do their lawful duty to check these irregularities,” the commission said.

The commission also asked the Delhi Government to provide details of the compensation paid to the next of kin of the deceased and steps taken to ensure the non-recurrence of such incidents.

On July 27, three IAS aspirants died after they were trapped in the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar which was flooded when a drain burst during heavy rain. The incident came days after another aspirant was electrocuted on a waterlogged Delhi street.