CBI Finds Three MCD Engineers Negligent in Old Rajinder Nagar Coaching Centre Tragedy

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has found negligence and dereliction of duty by three Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) engineers in its further probe into the 2024 Old Rajinder Nagar coaching centre tragedy , in which three civil services aspirants drowned after a basement was flooded. The agency submitted its supplementary final report before a Delhi court, seeking closure of the court-directed investigation.

The report was filed in compliance with a March 12, 2026 order of Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt, who had directed the CBI to examine the role of MCD officials in possible negligence or corrupt practices. While the agency found lapses by three officials, it gave a clean chit to the then Deputy Commissioner of MCD's Karol Bagh Zone, Kumar Abhishek , and former Superintending Engineer Ajay Nagpal , citing a lack of evidence showing they were informed about the basement's illegal use.

According to the CBI, Arnav Datta , then Junior Engineer, falsely reported during a 2023 inspection that the basement was being used for furniture storage despite allegedly knowing it functioned as an exam hall. Assistant Engineer Rajeev Kumar Jain was accused of failing to verify the premises properly or report the misuse, while Executive Engineer Kumar Mahendra allegedly overlooked documentary evidence indicating the basement was being used for coaching activities despite being approved only for storage and parking.

The agency stated that MCD has already initiated departmental proceedings against the three engineers based on its recommendations. It also observed that the officials' failure to flag the unauthorised commercial use of the basement allowed the coaching centre to continue operating in violation of building norms, creating a hazardous situation.

The further investigation followed a protest petition filed by the father of one of the victims, who alleged that the initial probe was not conducted fairly. The Delhi High Court had transferred the case to the CBI on August 2, 2024 , directing a comprehensive investigation into criminal negligence, dereliction of duty and possible corrupt practices after the July 27, 2024 tragedy claimed the lives of three UPSC aspirants.