Dreams and despair in Delhi’s UPSC hub

Ten months ago, Shubham Mishra, 25, boarded the Prayagraj Express from Kunda in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, to Delhi. “Going back home is not an option.” Three dead, many traumatised On July 27, after heavy rain, three civil services aspirants drowned in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar. Placards at the Karol Bagh protest, near Rau’s IAS, read “Thanks MCD for giving us — Misery, Corruption, and Death” and “Dying for the system — the dream died.” Their demands include increased compensation for those who died, the naming and arrest of negligent officials, a government committee report, sealing and prohibiting basement use, and cleaning all drains and sewers. The Delhi L-G also met them, and we’ve asked them to trust that their problems will be addressed.” On Wednesday, MCD Additional Commissioner Tariq Thomas admitted the civic body’s failure in the Rajinder Nagar coaching centre deaths. Interacting with the protesting students outside Rau’s IAS Study Circle, Thomas said, “We have structural issues like you said and they need to be addressed systematically.” He promised to take action and hold people responsible, while also saying that Delhi’s growth had outpaced the master plan, contributing to the problems.