Tragic Flooding at Rao IAS Coaching Center in Delhi Claims Three Lives
Heavy rains caused severe flooding in the basement of the Rao IAS coaching center in Old Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, resulting in the tragic drowning of three students, including Tanya Soni from Aurangabad, Bihar.
New Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar area witnessed a tragic incident as the basement of the Rao IAS coaching center flooded due to heavy rains, resulting in the drowning of three students. Among the deceased was a 22-year-old student from Aurangabad, Bihar, identified as Tanya Soni, the daughter of Vijay Kumar Soni of Nabinagar Mangal Bazaar.
UPSC Aspirant from Bihar, Tanya Soni, Loses Life
Tanya Soni had moved to Delhi three years ago for her studies. After completing her graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), she was preparing for the UPSC exams in Delhi. She lived alone in the city. On the fateful day, Tanya was studying in the basement library of the Rao IAS coaching center when heavy rains caused a power cut, leading to the biometric gate jamming. Students were trapped inside the library in darkness. Initially, the water did not enter the basement, but within minutes, the water pressure increased, causing the gate to break and water to rush in.
Lives and Aspirations Drowned in the Basement Library
As water entered the basement, students climbed onto benches to escape. However, within two to three minutes, the water level rose to around 10 to 12 feet. Dozens of students were reportedly studying in the library at the time. While 14 students were rescued, three tragically drowned, including Tanya. Rescue efforts were hampered as ropes thrown in to help were not visible due to the murky water. Authorities have arrested the coaching center’s owner, Abhishek Gupta, and coordinator, Deshpal Singh.
Family in Grief
Upon receiving the news, Tanya’s family was devastated. Her father, an engineer in Telangana, along with other family members, resides there, while Tanya’s grandparents and other relatives stay in the village. The news has cast a pall of gloom over the entire village. Tanya’s father has departed for Delhi, and her body is expected to reach Nabinagar Mangal Bazaar on Monday, where her last rites will be performed. Relatives and local representatives are consoling the grieving family.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers posed by severe weather and the importance of safety measures in public and educational buildings. The community mourns the loss of promising young lives and calls for better infrastructure to prevent such disasters in the future.