Raigad tragedy: Alandi civic body seals Winners Academy after eight students drown in Diveagar

Alandi observed a shutdown on Friday following the deaths of eight students during a Diveagar trip

A day after eight students from Alandi drowned during a study trip to Diveagar, the Alandi Municipal Council on Friday sealed the premises of Winners Academy, where the students were preparing for competitive examinations. The civic action followed an inspection of the coaching institute, which found that the establishment did not appear to have the required business licence or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipal council. The academy, located on the second floor of a building along Markal Road in Alandi, conducts coaching classes for students preparing for the NEET examination for medical admissions and JEE-Main for engineering admissions.

Academy sealed after civic inspection

A municipal team inspected the premises following the Diveagar tragedy. The academy was found to be operating from a property owned by Narayan Haribhau Das, identified in municipal records as property number Old 1137 and New LAN00001729. According to municipal records, the establishment did not appear to have obtained the required business licence or NOC from the municipal council. Acting on the orders of Chief Officer Madhav Khandekar, a team led by Tax Department Head Seema Charve sealed the premises. Police officers and personnel were present during the sealing operation. The municipal council said the action was taken to ensure that establishments comply with the required permissions and regulations.

The Alandi Municipal Council sealed the premises of Winners Academy following an inspection; (right) Relatives and residents gathered outside the homes of the deceased students. Pics/By Special Arrangement

NEET, JEE students affected

The academy was coaching students preparing for NEET and JEE-Main, putting the focus on what happens to students whose classes have now been disrupted. The institute had taken students on the Diveagar trip on Thursday. A total of 48 people - 25 boys, 17 girls and six teachers - had travelled for the trip, with students charged R2000 each. The academy had also collected trip forms from students before the tour. The civic administration has begun inspecting coaching classes and other establishments in Alandi following the tragedy.

Shutdown in Alandi

Alandi observed a shutdown on Friday, with essential services exempted, to pay tribute to the eight students who died in the Diveagar drowning. Alandi Municipal Council President Prashant Kurhade appealed to residents and establishments to observe the shutdown. The tragedy has also left parents seeking answers about the arrangements made for the students' safety during the trip.

Family loses only son

Among the deceased was Sumit Bharat Ahire, whose body was brought to his Alandi residence around 8.20 am on Friday. Ahire was his parents' only son. Residents gathered at the family's home to offer condolences.