Investigation – CBI Report Holds Three MCD Engineers Responsible in Coaching Centre Tragedy
Investigation – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified three engineers from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as being responsible for alleged negligence linked to the deaths of three civil services aspirants in the basement flooding incident at a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar in July 2024. However, the agency found no evidence warranting action against two senior civic officials who had also come under scrutiny during the investigation.
Court-Directed Probe Examines Role of Civic Officials
The findings were submitted before the court after a further investigation was ordered to determine whether MCD officials had failed in their duties or were involved in any corrupt practices connected with the case. According to the report, the investigation focused on the functioning of the Building Department in the Karol Bagh Zone and examined whether officials overlooked violations that eventually contributed to the tragedy.
The CBI informed the court that disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated by the MCD against the officials found negligent, based on the agency’s recommendations. The report was filed before Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt in compliance with judicial directions.
Three Engineers Accused of Negligence
According to the report, the officials identified for dereliction of duty are Arnav Datta, who served as the Junior Engineer (JE), Rajeev Kumar Jain, the then Assistant Engineer (AE), and Kumar Mahendra, who was the Executive Engineer (EE) in the Karol Bagh Zone.
Investigators concluded that each of the three officers failed to perform responsibilities expected from their respective positions. The report states that these lapses allowed the unauthorized use of the basement to continue despite available records and inspection opportunities.
Inspection Findings Highlight Alleged Oversight
The CBI alleged that during a site inspection conducted in September 2023, Arnav Datta recorded that the basement was being used only for furniture storage. Investigators claimed this statement did not reflect the actual situation because the basement was reportedly functioning as an examination hall at the time.
The agency further observed that Rajeev Kumar Jain attended several proceedings related to the property and had access to official documents. Despite these opportunities, the report says he did not alert higher authorities about the alleged misuse of the basement, describing his conduct as a significant failure in carrying out official duties.
In Kumar Mahendra’s case, the investigation concluded that he also failed to identify or verify the unauthorized use of the premises despite documentary material available within the department.
Senior Officials Cleared of Allegations
While fixing responsibility on the three engineers, the CBI found no material to proceed against Kumar Abhishek, who was then serving as the Deputy Commissioner of the Karol Bagh Zone, and former Superintending Engineer Ajay Nagpal. The agency’s report effectively cleared both officials of allegations related to negligence in the matter.
The report, dated July 8, also stated that a final closure report had been submitted in accordance with the court’s order issued on March 12, 2026. The CBI requested the court to accept its findings and pass appropriate orders.
Tragedy That Triggered the Investigation
The case stems from the deaths of three civil services aspirants who were trapped inside the flooded basement of a coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar on the evening of July 27, 2024. The incident sparked widespread concern over safety violations in commercial buildings and the enforcement of municipal regulations.
Recognising the seriousness of the matter, the Delhi High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 2, 2024. The court directed the agency to carry out a comprehensive probe extending beyond criminal negligence to examine the broader role of public officials and possible administrative failures.