TNFNew Delhi, Aug 23
TNF
A Delhi court has denied bail to four co-owners of a coaching centre in Old Rajindra Nagar, where three civil service aspirants drowned last month due to flooding in the basement library during heavy rains.
Special CBI Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna ruled against the bail applications of Parvinder Singh, Tajinder Singh, Harvinder Singh, and Sarbjit Singh after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The judge also highlighted the role of civic officials, noting their partial responsibility for the incident.
The judge emphasized that while the co-owners are not solely responsible, the lack of action by MCD officers on complaints about the illegal use of the basement contributed to the tragedy. The court urged the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation and hold all involved parties accountable.
The defense’s plea for bail was rejected, with the court noting that the investigation by the CBI is still in its early stages and important evidence and witness testimonies are being gathered. The court also stated that there are concerns about the potential influence the co-owners might have due to their business connections.
The prosecution argued that the owners were aware that the basement, intended for storage, was being used as a library, and they should have known that water could flood the area. The defense countered that heavy rains and a failed drainage system, rather than any intention to cause harm, were to blame for the incident.
Three students died on July 27 when rainwater flooded the basement library. An FIR was filed on July 28 at the Rajinder Nagar Police Station, and the Delhi High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 2.
