Photos: Shreya Yadav (L), Tanya Soni, and Nevin Dalvin
Three Civil Service aspirants, Nevin Dalvin from Kerala, Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Tanya Soni from Telangana, died after the basement of their coaching center in Delhi flooded on Saturday
New Delhi: The death of Nevin Dalvin, a 28-year-old IAS aspirant from Kerala, has shocked and saddened many, revealing the poignant and tragic end to a young man’s remarkable journey.
Nevin Dalvin was not just another student but a beacon of hope and determination. Born and raised in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, Nevin’s family moved to Ernakulam over a decade ago. Known for his unwavering commitment to his dreams, Nevin set his sights on the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) at an early age. His journey took him from the serene surroundings of Kerala to the bustling city of Delhi, where he enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for a PhD, while also preparing for the UPSC exams.
Nevin’s life was a testament to perseverance. His friends and family recall his intense dedication and the sacrifices he made to pursue his ambitions. “He was always driven by a deep desire to make a difference,” says his close friend Anil Kumar. “Nevin’s passion for civil service was evident in everything he did. He was committed to studying and working hard every day.”
Living in Patel Nagar, Delhi, Nevin adapted to the fast-paced city life while maintaining his focus on his studies. He was known for his humility and kindness, often seen helping fellow students and participating in community activities. His dream was not just to achieve personal success but to contribute meaningfully to society.
On the fateful morning of Saturday, Nevin visited the library at the UPSC coaching center where he had been preparing. He had been a regular there, immersed in his studies and striving to stay ahead in his preparation. His sudden death later that day was a jarring shock to everyone who knew him.
Following his death, Nevin Dalvin’s body was received by his relatives after necessary formalities. The family transported his remains to Ernakulam, where his cremation takes place The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and members of the community who gathered to pay their last respects. The emotional service highlighted the deep loss felt by those who knew him and celebrated his life and dreams.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have made significant progress in their investigation. Five additional individuals have been arrested in connection with Nevin’s death, bringing the total number of arrests to [number]. The authorities continue to examine forensic evidence and witness statements as they work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Nevin’s untimely death.
Despite the sorrow surrounding his death, Nevin’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His family remembers him as a loving and dedicated son who always put others before himself. His teachers and peers at JNU remember him as an inspiring figure whose ambition and kindness touched many lives.
A candlelight vigil was held in his memory, where friends, family, and fellow students gathered to pay tribute to a life cut short too soon. The event was filled with stories of Nevin’s dedication, his dreams, and the impact he had on those around him. “Nevin was a bright light in all our lives,” said his professor, Dr. Ramesh Kumar. “His spirit and determination were truly inspiring.”
Sreya Yadav
Shreya Yadav, a 25-year-old student from Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, joined Rau’s IAS coaching institute in April 2024 with the aspiration of passing one of India’s most challenging examinations. A bright and dedicated individual, Shreya had a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology in Sultanpur and was known for her academic prowess and potential since childhood. Her family, including her father Rajendra Yadav, who runs a dairy shop, and her brother Abhishek Yadav, a Mass Communication student, supported her ambitions, which led her to relocate to Delhi for her IAS preparation.
However, Shreya’s journey was marred by serious concerns. Her father alleged that the coaching institute had been previously informed about issues with basement flooding but had taken no action to address the problem. He was particularly upset that he learned about the situation through the media rather than being informed directly by the institute. Additionally, Shreya’s uncle, Dharmendra Yadav, claimed he was denied access to view Shreya’s body at the hospital, raising concerns about the handling of her situation and the transparency of communication from the medical and institutional authorities. These issues underscore the critical importance of maintaining safety standards and ensuring clear, timely communication in educational settings.
Tanya Soni
Tanya Soni, a 25-year-old woman from Secunderabad, Telangana, originally hailing from Aurangabad, Bihar, was a student at Delhi University. She had recently enrolled at the coaching institute, having been a resident at the women’s hostel of Maharaja Agrasen College. Tanya’s father, Vijay Kumar, is employed with a mining company in Telangana. She was the eldest of three siblings, with a younger brother and sister. Following her passing, Tanya’s body was transported to Aurangabad for the last rites after completing the post-mortem.
