From Delhi's Rajinder Nagar to Lucknow: Are fire safety lessons still unlearnt?
Nearly two years after three UPSC aspirants died in a flooded coaching centre basement in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, and days after a devastating fire
Nearly two years after three UPSC aspirants died in a flooded coaching centre basement in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, and days after a devastating fire in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow claimed 15 lives, Aaj Tak's Special Investigation Team has uncovered fresh concerns about safety violations, basement misuse and questionable operations across parts of the national capital. The investigation found coaching classes and libraries operating in basements, while several properties registered under Bed and Breakfast schemes appeared to be functioning like hotels, raising questions about enforcement, oversight and public safety. Read Full Story THE SHADOW OF RAJINDER NAGAR The deaths of three UPSC aspirants at Rau's IAS Study Circle on July 27, 2024, had triggered nationwide outrage. The basement, approved for parking and storage, was allegedly being used as a library when floodwater entered the premises. The tragedy led to promises of stricter action against basement misuse and safety violations. However, the Aaj Tak SIT investigation suggests that risky practices continue in several parts of Delhi. BASEMENT LIBRARY WITH BIOMETRIC ACCESS In Delhi's Yamuna Vihar, the team visited Future World Technical Institute, where a basement had been converted into a library. The facility featured around 25 study cubicles inside a room measuring roughly 10 by 10 feet. Entry was controlled through a biometric system. When asked about the facility, manager Rakesh said, "1,500 for 13 hours... that's for the full day." "Inside the library, we have Wi-Fi and a water cooler. You only need to go upstairs to use the washroom." The investigation also found SSC coaching classes operating within the basement area. When asked if coaching classes were also being conducted there, he replied, "Yes, they do conduct classes." Asked about ownership of the premises, he said, "No, it doesn't belong to me.
It's on rent. I look after the entire management upstairs." When asked whether coaching activities were taking place, he said, "Yes, coaching classes are conducted here." COACHING CLASSES FROM TOP FLOOR TO BASEMENT Just a short distance away, Horizon Academy was found conducting coaching classes for NEET and IIT aspirants across multiple floors, including the basement. A representative at Horizon Academy said, "There are four subjects. The fee for students is Rs 36,000." Asked about the number of students in a class, he said, "For Class 10, there can be around 30 students." Staff members later showed classrooms on the upper floor and then guided reporters to basement classrooms. When asked whether classes were also being held in the basement, the response was, "Yes." The findings raise questions over whether such basement usage complies with safety norms and whether emergency evacuation systems, fire safety measures and occupancy limits have been adequately assessed. PAHARGANJ'S B&B PUZZLE The investigation also turned its focus to Delhi's Paharganj area, where several properties registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme appeared to be operating on a scale more commonly associated with hotels. At The Yuvaan B&B, reporters encountered narrow, winding lanes leading to a multi-storey property. A staff member explained room rates and facilities before revealing that the property had 16 rooms spread across four floors. "There are 16 rooms here. At present, all 16 rooms are occupied. The property is spread across four floors," he said. The narrow access routes raised concerns over how quickly emergency services could reach the area during a fire or other disaster. QUESTIONS OVER NIDHI CERTIFICATION Another property, Blue Berry in Multani Dhanda, offered eight rooms and operated through a narrow staircase.
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