Businessman and YouTuber Manuj Kathuria Arrested at Delhi Coaching Centre

JULY 31, 2024 - Manuj Kathuria, a Businessman and YouTuber, has been arrested after an incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi. Kathuria allegedly broke the gate of the study centre while driving past, leading to a tragic incident where three IAS aspirants died due to basement flooding.

Kathuria's lawyer, Rakesh Malhotra, defended him, stating that Kathuria was driving at a permissible speed of 15 kmph on a flooded Bada Bazar Road. Malhotra argued that the road was open for traffic and many vehicles, including Kathuria's, passed through without any warning of potential hazards.On that fateful Saturday, Kathuria was on his way home amidst heavy rain. As he drove past the study centre, waves created by his car allegedly caused the gate to collapse, allowing water to flood the basement library where the students were.

Kathuria has been charged under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Malhotra contends that the responsibility lies with the building owner and civic authorities for not managing the situation better and ensuring the road's safety. He emphasized that Kathuria could not have anticipated the consequences of driving on an open road. The case raises questions about infrastructure and accountability in managing public safety during severe weather conditions.