Coaching deaths: L-G orders disciplinary action against two DFS officers

Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena has approved disciplinary action against two Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officers for “concealing” the misuse of a coaching institute basement in Old Rajinder Nagar, which flooded with rainwater and led to the drowning of three students last year, a statement said.

The officers – Vedpal, Divisional Officer, and Udaivir Singh, Assistant Divisional Officer – were suspended following the incident.

“Both of them were found responsible for concealment of the fact regarding the misuse of the basement as a library and failure on their part to report the matter of misuse. On the basis of their wrong recommendation, A fire safety certificate was issued by the DFS,” read the order.

The duo inspected the premises on July 1, 2024, for issuing a fire safety certificate. They cleared the basement, even though it was used illegally as a reading room or library.

Mr. Saxena also asked the Directorate of Vigilance to finish disciplinary proceedings within the set timeline.