The death toll has risen to three after another body was recovered from the flooded basement of a coaching institute in Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar. Rescue teams are still on the scene, continuing their search operations.
A group of students staged a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) following the recovery of the bodies. However, DCP Central M. Harshavardhan urged the students to refrain from protesting, as it would hinder rescue efforts. “The bodies have been sent to the hospital for further legal action. Rescue operations are still underway. The water is being pumped out, but there is still about seven feet of water in the basement. We share their pain, but coming here is not the solution,” he stated.
Due to poor visibility and a flooded basement, Delhi Police said divers and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are continuing their search efforts. Fire Officer Atul Garg reported that five fire vehicles responded to the scene after receiving information around 7:15 PM. “We pumped the water out and recovered the bodies of two girls. Three children were initially feared trapped, and two have been recovered. We will recover the third one as soon as the water recedes,” he said. “There were 30 students in the basement; three were trapped while the others escaped.”
In reaction to the incident, Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government, calling for an inquiry into corruption within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. “There should be an inquiry into the corruption of Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, and their government. The drainage system should have been cleaned. Will they order an inquiry into this?” he questioned.
The search and rescue operation continues as authorities work to ensure no more lives are lost.
(Ani)