In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the student community, three civil service aspirants lost their lives in Delhi on July 28. The tragic event occurred when the basement of their coaching institute, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, situated in Old Rajinder Nagar, flooded due to heavy rains. The influx of water compromised the single biometric entry and exit point of the library in the basement, leading to their unfortunate deaths.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced that action is being taken against establishments unlawfully using basements in the area. The official statement, reported by PTI, has added to the ongoing uproar among students protesting the negligence that led to this calamity. Actor Abhilash Thapliyal, widely recognized for his role as SK Jha in the popular TVF show ‘Aspirants,’ has expressed his grief and shared his perspective on the incident.
Abhilash, who spent a considerable amount of time in Old Rajinder Nagar while shooting for the show, voiced his distress over the deaths of the UPSC aspirants. ‘Aspirants’ follows the lives and struggles of those preparing for one of India’s toughest exams, the UPSC. Reflecting on this recent tragedy, Abhilash told mid-day.com, “I owe the success of my character SK sir to all the UPSC aspirants, and it is tragic and unfortunate that what has happened in Rajinder Nagar.”
However, it wasn’t just the incident that saddened him. “What is even more distressing is the way the issue has been politicized. Politics today has stooped to another level,” Abhilash said, expressing his discontent over the political exploitation of the mishap.
As he elaborated on the larger implications of the incident, Abhilash remarked, “Tragedies, especially man-made ones, come in all shapes and sizes. They are not restricted to any particular department, government, state, or location.” He pointed to a similar tragedy in Mumbai, where a hoarding crash claimed multiple lives. Speaking from his experience filming in Old Rajinder Nagar, he observed, “The high population density in such cramped places is alarming.
. I am not sure how many of these areas have all the required licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).”
Abhilash hopes that this incident serves as a sobering wake-up call for both authorities and establishments. “I hope the people operating these places and the authorities ensure that all safety measures are in place. Lives depend on it,” he urged.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Abhilash spoke about his own experiences during the monsoon season while studying at Delhi University. “I was fortunate to be at home with my family. When you’re at home, your problems are not just your own; you have the support of your entire family,” he said, contrasting his own situation to those of the students who move to Delhi from distant places to prepare for UPSC.
“My heart goes out to these aspirants who are staying far from home, managing everything on their own. It’s an immense challenge not just academically but emotionally and logistically,” Abhilash added. He hopes that the students form strong support groups within their community to help each other through their challenging journey.
The unfortunate demise of the three civil servant aspirants has highlighted the critical issue of illegal occupancy and safety. It sheds light on the broader, persistent complications in high-density urban areas where the youth congregate with dreams of a better future.
The MCD’s action against illegal use of basements comes as a grim reminder of the often-overlooked compliance issues in rapidly developing urban landscapes. The students’ suffering underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and rigorous enforcement of regulations. Authorities must ensure that such tragedies do not recur, pledging greater vigilance and adherence to safety standards.
The broader sentiment within the student community and the voices of influential actors like Abhilash Thapliyal are steps towards a more secure and supportive environment for all aspirants. The tragic event has sparked much-needed debate and action, with hopes that these lessons lead to real, lasting change.
