Student Protests in Delhi’s Karol Bagh After Flooded Basement Claims Lives
New Delhi, July 29: Student protests in Delhi’s Karol Bagh continued after a flooded basement at a coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar claimed three lives. Sahil, a UPSC aspirant, expressed frustration that no officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) visited them. The students have been protesting for two days, demanding information about the deceased, those hospitalized, copies of FIRs, actions to be taken, and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakhs for the injured.
Three students died when the basement of Rau’s Study Circle was flooded following rains. Students complained that biometric access, required to enter libraries mostly located in basements, blocked exits during the flooding. Manish Kumar, a student, emphasized the need for alternatives to biometrics to prevent such tragedies. Punit Singh highlighted the lack of emergency exits and balconies in the buildings, making rescue difficult.
Earlier, the MCD sealed the basements of 13 coaching centers in Karol Bagh for violating building bye-laws. Mayor Shelly Oberoi directed strict action against illegal basement operations. The Delhi Police arrested seven people, including the owner and coordinator of the coaching center, for culpable homicide and other charges. DCP Central M Harshavardhan mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and urged students to maintain peace.
Doubts Revealed
Karol Bagh -: Karol Bagh is a neighborhood in Delhi, India. It’s known for its markets and shopping areas.
coaching center -: A coaching center is a place where students go to get extra help with their studies, often to prepare for exams.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) -: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is a local government body that takes care of civic services like roads, schools, and sanitation in Delhi.
biometric access -: Biometric access uses things like fingerprints or face recognition to allow people to enter or exit a place. It can be a problem if it doesn’t work during emergencies.
building bye-laws -: Building bye-laws are rules that tell how buildings should be constructed and maintained to ensure safety and order.
sealed -: When a place is sealed, it means it is closed off and no one is allowed to enter or use it.
arrested -: When someone is arrested, the police take them into custody because they are suspected of breaking the law.
