Who is Vikas Divyakirti, whose Drishti IAS center has been sealed days after 3 UPSC students' deaths?

Authorities in Delhi have come into action mode after three UPSC aspirants died due to flooding in the basement of an IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar. The authorities have started a crackdown on alleged encroachments and illegal constructions of other coaching centres in parts of the city. On Monday, the popular IAS coaching centre, Drishti IAS, run by educator Vikas Divyakirti came under scanner.

Its basement in Mukherjee Nagar was sealed by authorities today. Five rooms were sealed off and a stamped paper across the entrance demanded the office contact the city authorities. UPSC students have been expressing disappointment over the silence of top teachers, including Vikas Divyakirti, over the recent deaths of three UPSC aspirants. 

Moreover, the basements of 13 coaching centres in Karol Bagh were sealed on Sunday for violating building bye-laws amid protests by students. The Delhi Police has arrested the owner and the coordinator of Rau's IAS Study Circle and charged them with culpable homicide. Five accused were arrested on Monday in connection with the incident.

Who is Vikas Divyakirti?

He is the founder and managing director of Drishti IAS, an organization active in the civil services preparation since 1999. According to Drishti's website, he began his professional career as an assistant professor at Delhi University. In 1996, he cleared the Civil Services Examination in his first attempt. He worked for a year at the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, he resigned from his post, returned to teaching and established Drishti IAS.

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