SriRam IAS coaching center in Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar issued a clarification on Sunday night after facing backlash over a social media post amidst student protests following the deaths of three UPSC civil services aspirants due to basement flooding at another institute.
In their clarification statement, SriRam IAS explained that their previous message had been misunderstood. “We intended to express that you are on a historic path. To drive meaningful change in society, it’s crucial to step away from the conventional and carve out your own unique path. Stand out and be HEARD. We are with you,” the clarification read.
The since-deleted post, which triggered the backlash, read, “We express our solidarity with the ORN Aspirants. It’s time for soul searching on the part of everyone. Remember, you should not be a part of the HERD so that you are HEARD.”
SriRam IAS’s statement, posted during student protests for justice for the deceased, was criticized as “apathetic and mocking.”
A user on X called the letter “an insult to the deceased students as well as protesting students,” while another accused the coaching institute of being “insecure regarding the students’ protest.”
Clarification: pic.twitter.com/FvPmPEgrI9
— SRIRAM’s IAS (@sriramsrirangm) July 28, 2024
Meanwhile, students continued to protest in the national capital, demanding accountability for Rau’s IAS coaching center’s deaths and action against those responsible for the negligence that led to the incident.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed seven properties and three basements in the Karol Bagh Zone for violating building bye-laws.
According to an MCD release, despite Rau’s IAS Study Circle property owner having the required documents, the use of the basement for purposes other than parking and storage, such as a library or reading hall, was in violation of building bylaws. The coaching center operated without adhering to fire clearance conditions.
The building’s owner and the coaching institute’s coordinator have been detained by police, who are reviewing CCTV camera footage to understand how the basement flooded so quickly.
