The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an expanded inquiry into potential dereliction of duty and corrupt practices by officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This directive follows a protest petition filed by Suresh Delvin, the father of IAS aspirant Nevin Delvin, who tragically drowned in July 2024 during a flooding incident at the Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Rajender Nagar. The court’s decision came after a High Court ruling in August 2024, which called for an investigation into criminal negligence connected to local authorities.

Background of the Incident

On July 27, 2024, Nevin Delvin and two other students reportedly lost their lives due to the flooding of the basement library at the coaching institute. Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhat, while allowing the protest petition on March 12, emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the responsibilities of MCD officials. The judge articulated that the investigation must address issues relating to the illegal use of the basement, which contributed to the unfortunate loss of life.

Details of Court Observations

During the hearing, the court underscored previous directives issued by the High Court to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which includes exploring culpability involving negligence and misconduct by individuals including local authority officials. The court noted that three young lives were lost, allegedly due to negligence or disregard for duty, as well as potential monetary gain. The Judge remarked that simply attributing fault to a low-ranking official was inadequate, stating that supervising officers are equally responsible for ensuring compliance and thorough reporting following inspections.

Investigation Progress and Allegations

As per the latest developments, the CBI had filed a charge sheet on September 26, 2024, followed by a supplementary charge sheet on April 24, 2025. However, Suresh Delvin has alleged that the investigating officer has not conducted a fair and impartial investigation. Advocate Abhijeet Anand, representing the applicant, indicated that it has been acknowledged that the building’s height exceeds 15 meters, an observation noted during a BSES inspection. The allegations include that the building owners obtained construction approval through misrepresentation.

Focus on Compliance and Certification Issues

The plea points out that the occupancy and completion certificate for the building were issued on August 9, 2021, under the signature of Executive Engineer Kumar Mahendra. Furthermore, the sanction was reportedly granted on May 13, 2019, following investigations conducted by MCD officials that resulted in misleading assessments. This inquiry is crucial in light of the tragic events that unfolded at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, raising questions about regulatory compliance and accountability among officials tasked with oversight and public safety.

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