The Delhi High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the Delhi Police’s decision to arrest the SUV driver in connection with the tragic drowning of three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. The court, in its remarks, questioned the police’s actions, highlighting the absurdity of arresting the driver while overlooking the real culprit – the heavy rainfall.
The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, pointed out the irony of the situation, stating, “Mercifully, you have not challaned rainwater for entering into basement, the way you arrested the SUV driver for driving his car there.” The court further emphasized the importance of holding actual perpetrators accountable, asserting, “Police respected when culprits booked, not when innocents caught.”
Furthermore, the court directed its criticism towards the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), holding it responsible for the unfortunate deaths of the UPSC aspirants. The judges expressed their bewilderment at the circumstances that led to the drowning, questioning the MCD’s lack of action despite the obvious danger posed by non-functional storm water drains in the area. The court stated, “Unable to fathom how three UPSC aspirants got drowned; it has become norm and MCD officials not bothered.”
In a significant development, the court has transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), indicating a desire for a more thorough and impartial investigation. The case involves the arrest of Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver, who was accused of driving his Force Gurkha car through the waterlogged street, causing the water to surge and inundate the basement of the Rau’s coaching centre. On August 1, a court in Delhi granted bail to Kathuria, citing the “over-enthusiasm” in implicating him in the case.
The Delhi High Court’s strong stance on the case reflects the public’s outrage over the tragic incident and underscores the need for accountability and effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
