Delhi Court Reserves Order On Charge Sheet In RAU’s IAS Case

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The Rouse Avenue court reserved its order on the cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the CBI against 6 individuals connected to the drowning deaths of 3 UPSC aspirants in a coaching center basement in Old Rajender Nagar.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Nishant Garg scheduled the matter for a decision on November 14.

The charge sheet names CEO Abhishek Gupta, Deshpal Singh, and four co-owners—Sarabjit Singh, Parvinder Singh, Tejinder Singh, and Harvinder Singh under charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

During the hearing, Advocate Abhijit Anand, representing the father of victim Navin Delvin, argued that the CBI failed to investigate corruption aspects involving the accused or any public officials, rendering the charge sheet incomplete.

He asserted that if the investigation is still ongoing, the court cannot accept the charge sheet and should return it.

In contrast, the CBI’s senior public prosecutor stated that the investigation into corruption allegations remains open and indicated their commitment to pursuing any new evidence. The prosecutor insisted there is sufficient material against the accused.

The CBI highlighted that the occupancy certificate, issued on August 9, 2021, specified that the basement was not intended for commercial use and was designated for storage and parking.

Notably, the four accused became owners of the basement on December 28, 2021, having taken over from previous owner Neelam Rani, who had applied for the occupancy certificate.

The prosecutor argued that the accused were fully aware that commercial activities were prohibited in the basement.

Additionally, they noted that a student, Kishor Kushwaha, had previously raised concerns about flooding in the basement and had made two reminders to the MCD.

The CBI maintained that Deshpal, with 25 years of experience as an employee, was well aware of the risks associated with the basement’s use but allowed a library to operate there.

The agency claimed that the owners permitted the basement to be rented out for commercial purposes, generating income of approximately ₹4-4.5 lakh per month.

It was further noted that no emergency exits or fire marshals were present, despite the basement being equipped with 12 air conditioners and 19 fans, indicating its use for commercial activities.

The CBI’s charge sheet includes six individuals, while the driver of the SUV involved, Manuj Kathuria, was not named in this document.

Earlier, the court granted interim bail to CEO Abhishek Gupta and Coordinator Deshpal Singh, while the Delhi High Court had also provided interim bail to the 4 co-owners.

This case stems from the tragic drowning of 3 UPSC aspirants in the flooded basement of RAU’s IAS Study Circle on July 26. The court’s forthcoming decisions and the ongoing investigation will be closely watched as the families seek justice.