**Central Delhi, July 28, 2024** — In a devastating incident in Old Rajinder Nagar, three UPSC aspirants lost their lives when they became trapped in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle following heavy rains on Saturday evening. The tragedy unfolded around 7 PM when a drain burst, inundating the coaching center and filling its basement with 10-12 feet of water within moments.**Response Efforts and Criticism**Upon receiving distress calls, the Delhi Fire Services swiftly dispatched five fire tenders for rescue operations. However, criticism emerged from a faculty member at the center, questioning the initial priority given to fire tenders over divers. Despite the efforts of divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the rescue operation faced immense challenges due to the rapid flooding.By late evening, the bodies of two female students were recovered from the submerged basement. Efforts continued through the night to locate a third missing individual amidst chaotic scenes described by eyewitnesses.**Weather and Political Fallout**The Met department’s PUSA weather station recorded 31.5 mm of rainfall between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM, exacerbating the flooding in the area. Initial evacuation attempts were hampered by severe traffic congestion, delaying the arrival of emergency teams.The tragedy has sparked a political controversy, with the BJP accusing AAP of negligence, particularly targeting the area’s legislator, Durgesh Pathak. Pathak attributed the flooding to the burst drain and emphasized ongoing efforts using pumps to alleviate the situation. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized Pathak for allegedly disregarding prior warnings regarding the maintenance of the Rajendra Nagar drain.**Recent Incidents and Ministerial Response**This incident follows the electrocution of Nilesh Rai, another UPSC aspirant, on July 22 in South Patel Nagar, highlighting safety concerns during the monsoon season. PWD Minister Atishi has demanded a comprehensive report within 24 hours, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and preventive measures in light of repeated incidents in educational hubs like Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar.Rajinder Nagar, renowned for its concentration of coaching centers and student accommodations, has witnessed similar tragedies in the past, including a fire incident last year that resulted in numerous injuries.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic loss of lives and are under pressure to address systemic issues to prevent future disasters in Delhi’s educational districts.