उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

Statement issued by Lt. Governor, Shri VK Saxena. 

I am deeply anguished by the death of 3 Civil Services aspirants due to water logging in the basement of a coaching centre and that of another student due to water logging related electrocution. That this should happen in the Capital of India is most unfortunate and unacceptable. Reportedly 7 other citizens have died due to electrocution in the past few days.

My deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

I have been keeping a close watch over the situation and followed the rescue operations by Delhi Police and Delhi Fire personnel etc. personally.

These incidents clearly points towards criminal neglect and failure of basic maintenance and administration by concerned agencies and departments. 

Drainage in the City and related infrastructure, as also required efforts and endeavours to address these have apparently collapsed.

It is indicative of the larger malaise of mis-governance that Delhi has been subjected to during the last decade or so.

The role of coaching institutions and landlords in not ensuring basic safety of students, who pay hefty fees and rents, away from their homes needs to be looked into.

What has been happening is unpardonable and such issues can no more be glossed over. I have asked the Divisional Commissioner to submit a report, covering every aspect of the tragic incident by Tuesday.

While nothing can bring back the precious young lives lost due to apathy of the administration and criminal misconduct of those running coaching institutions, responsibility of those who caused the loss of lives, will be fixed and guilty will be brought to book.

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