Court Directs Delhi Police to File Detailed Status Report in Fatal DJB Pit Accident Case
A court in New Delhi has issued significant directives in the tragic case of a 25-year-old motorcyclist who died after falling into an open Delhi Jal Board (DJB) pit in Janakpuri, west Delhi. On Wednesday, judicial magistrate Harjot Singh Aujla ordered the Delhi Police to submit a comprehensive status report on the investigation, focusing on the availability and functionality of CCTV footage near the accident site.
Background of the Incident
The victim, Kamal Dhyani, was returning home from work on the intervening night of February 5-6 when he allegedly fell into an uncovered 15-foot-deep pit and lost his life. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures and infrastructure lapses in the area. The court's order came while hearing an application filed by Dhyani's family, who sought updates on the investigation and the condition of CCTV cameras covering the site.
Court's Directives on Investigation and CCTV Footage
Magistrate Aujla instructed the investigating officer or station house officer of the Janakpuri police station to place a detailed report by February 13. This report must cover the progress of the probe and specifically address the availability and functionality of CCTV footage near the spot. The court emphasized this in light of alleged safety lapses and delays in reporting the accident, which may have hindered emergency response efforts.
Bail Plea Rejected for Sub-Contractor
In a separate order, the court dismissed the bail plea of sub-contractor Rajesh Prajapati, who is associated with the DJB work. The magistrate noted the loss of human life and the initial stage of the investigation as key factors. The court stated that no ground for bail was made out, adding that the possibility of the accused influencing material witnesses, such as local residents, labourers, or officials linked to the project, cannot be ruled out at this juncture.
Allegations of Illegal Detention and Police Response
However, the court took note of Prajapati's contention regarding alleged illegal detention. It directed the investigating officer to file a comprehensive reply along with relevant CCTV footage from the police station for the period between February 6 and 8. This must be submitted on the next date of hearing. Police had arrested Prajapati and a labourer named Yogesh, alleging they withheld information about the accident, which delayed emergency response.
Implications and Next Steps
The case highlights ongoing issues with urban governance and infrastructure safety in Delhi. The court's orders aim to ensure accountability and transparency in the investigation, particularly concerning CCTV evidence and witness protection. The detailed status report and further hearings will be crucial in determining liability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
