Shimla, Sept 6,
The District Magistrate of Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, has directed the registration of an FIR against Aakash Coaching Institute in Sanjauli for violating provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Despite clear orders issued on September 3 and 4 mandating the closure of all educational and coaching institutions under disaster management regulations, the coaching centre was found conducting classes. The violation came to light after the district administration received complaints through social media.
Following the information, Deputy Commissioner Kashyap deputed Additional District Magistrate (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma and Tehsildar Apoorv Sharma to inspect the institute. The team reached the premises at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday and found classes in progress. Messages sent by the institute to students, directing them to attend classes, were also recovered from students’ mobile phones.
During the inspection, the institute’s operations head, Rajesh Kumar, claimed that classes were being conducted only for students residing within the campus and hostel. However, upon verification, the administration found several students present who did not reside there. The inspection team prepared a detailed interim report with photographic and videographic evidence, which was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. Based on the findings, Kashyap immediately directed the Superintendent of Police to register an FIR. Another coaching centre inspected in Sanjauli was found closed.
“We had specific information that Aakash Coaching Centre was holding classes. The inspection confirmed the violation. Provisions under Sections 51, 52 and 53 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 were found to be breached. Accordingly, instructions have been issued to register an FIR,” said Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap. He added that strict action will be taken against any violation of orders issued under the Act and appealed to the public to promptly report such violations.
Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 51 provides punishment for obstruction or refusal to comply with directions, with imprisonment up to one year, extendable to two years if it endangers life; Section 52 prescribes up to two years’ imprisonment and fine for making false claims to obtain relief or benefits; while Section 53 stipulates imprisonment up to two years and fine for misappropriation or misuse of funds or materials meant for disaster relief.
The District Magistrate reiterated that the administration would continue to enforce the Disaster Management Act strictly to ensure public safety.
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