Force Gurkha Driver Arrested, SUV Seized For ‘Breaking’ Delhi IAS Coaching Center’s Gate [Video]
Just a few days ago, it was reported that an IAS coaching institute’s basement was flooded and three UPSC aspirants died in it. Following this incident, Delhi Police have now arrested the driver of a Force Gurkha SUV. They have also seized the vehicle in connection with the tragic flooding incident at Rau’s Academy in Rajendra Nagar. The driver has been charged with negligent driving, which allegedly resulted in the destruction of the academy’s main gate. They have stated that this action resulted in severe waterlogging in the basement.
Rau’s Academy Incident
For those who may not be aware, this tragic incident took place on Saturday evening. Following the heavy rainfall that caused extensive waterlogging throughout Delhi, Rau’s Academy, a well-known IAS coaching center, experienced a flooding event.
It was reported that when water surged into its basement, it trapped several students. Unfortunately, three students, Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwin from Kerala, lost their lives.
Arrest and Charges
Following this incident, Delhi Police have charged the driver of a Force Gurkha with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They have stated that the Force Gurkha driver and his reckless driving caused a wave that broke through the academy’s door.
However, this explanation has raised significant controversy and criticism. According to the police, CCTV footage shows the Force Gurkha speeding past the academy. This then created a massive wave that overwhelmed the gate and allowed rainwater to flood the basement.
The DCP Central, Harshavardhan, stated, “Negligence has been established on the part of the arrested driver, who has been arrested in the Old Rajinder Nagar case. He was driving the vehicle very fast, due to which the gate of the coaching centre broke.”
Unreasonable Arrest
Despite the charges, many experts and the general public have shared critical perspectives that argue the driver’s actions were not reckless. They have stated there was a genuine attempt to navigate a severely waterlogged street. It has been highlighted that the driver of the Force Gurkha was reportedly trying to maintain a speed.
He was doing this in order to prevent water from entering the vehicle’s intake. This is a common practice done by off-road vehicle drivers in such conditions to avoid engine damage.
Eyewitnesses and video evidence have also suggested that the driver did not hit the gate. Rather, he was simply passing through the waterlogged road, an action driven by necessity rather than negligence.
The wave that caused the flooding was a consequence of the vehicle’s movement through the waterlogged area. It has been pointed out by many people that it was not a deliberate act to damage property and cause flooding in the basement of Rau’s IAS Coaching.
Public Reactions
As mentioned, the arrest of the Force Gurkha driver has sparked outrage among the public and political figures alike. Many view the police’s actions as stupid and irrational. Netizens are blaming the inadequate drainage infrastructure for the tragedy.
Students have also protested, demanding accountability from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and a thorough investigation into the incident. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has ordered a magisterial inquiry. Meanwhile, both Congress and BJP have criticized AAP for the inadequate infrastructure that contributed to the flooding.
On social media, there are numerous comments that have criticized the authorities. They have stated that the driver is being targeted instead of addressing the systemic failures that led to the waterlogging. Many argue that the real issue lies in the city’s poor drainage system and the failure of municipal bodies to maintain it properly.