Rescue Operations in Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar: Three Bodies Recovered from Flooded Basement

In Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar, rescue teams have recovered a third body from the flooded basement of a coaching institute, bringing the total number of deaths to three. The search operation is still ongoing.

Protests and Police Appeal

A group of students staged a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at the site after the recovery of the bodies. DCP Central M Harshavardhan urged students not to protest as it would hamper the rescue services. He said, “The bodies have been sent to the hospital for further legal action. Rescue operations are still underway. The water is being pumped out. There is still about seven feet of water in the basement. I request the student community to not come here and hamper the rescue services. We share their pain but coming here to the spot is not the solution. It will hamper the rescue services.”

Rescue Efforts

Due to very poor visibility and a flooded basement, divers and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are still searching the spot. Fire Officer Atul Garg said, “A total of five fire vehicles reached the spot after we received the information at around 7.15 pm. We pumped the water out and recovered the dead bodies of two girls. Around three children were feared to be trapped. Two have been recovered. We will recover the third one also as soon as the water recedes. Our operation will conclude in some time. There were 30 students in the basement, three were trapped while others escaped.”

Political Reactions

Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government and called for an inquiry into the corruption of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He said, “There should be an inquiry into the corruption of Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, and their government. Delhi Municipal Corporation’s corruption should be inquired. There should be an inquiry as to why the drainage was not cleaned. Will they order an inquiry into this?”