Delhi Contractor Arrested After Biker's Tragic Death in Unmarked Water Works Pit
In a shocking incident in Delhi, police have arrested a sub-contractor after a 25-year-old biker plunged to his death in a 14-foot-deep pit in Janakpuri. The pit, dug for water works, lacked any warning signs or safety measures, leading to the fatal accident. The victim, identified as Kamal Dhyani, lay in the open pit for over six hours before police were alerted, highlighting severe negligence.
Contractor's Callous Response and Arrest
The accused sub-contractor, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, a resident of Tri Nagar, was arrested a day after the incident. According to police, Prajapati arrived at the site after being informed by his labourer, Yogesh, but instead of calling for rescue, he looked at the victim and walked away. Prajapati told police he was frightened and did not inform authorities, contributing to the delay in emergency response.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar detailed the sequence of events. An eyewitness, Vipin Singh, saw the bike fall into the pit while returning home from a wedding in Rohini. Singh informed a residential complex guard, who then alerted the contractor's labourer, Yogesh. Call records show Yogesh informed Prajapati at 12:22 am, and Prajapati reached the spot within 15-20 minutes. However, no action was taken to help the victim, whose motorcycle headlight was still on.
Police Investigation and Safety Failures
Police are also searching for Yogesh, who is suspected to have fled to his hometown in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. The investigation has extended to questioning the security guard and the main contractor who hired Prajapati. Police sources revealed that Prajapati made two to three calls on the night of the incident, and those contacts will be questioned to uncover any further negligence.
The inquiry uncovered that the pit was dug on the afternoon of January 5, just hours before the accident. There was another pit nearby that regular commuters knew about, but this fresh excavation had no warnings, which Kamal Dhyani might not have anticipated. Police noted that the Delhi Jal Board and its contractors failed to ensure basic safety during excavation, including:
- Barricading around the pit
- Warning signs and reflectors
- Adequate lighting at the site
- Deployment of a security guard
Despite knowing the dangers of open pits, no precautions were taken, leading to this preventable tragedy.
Delayed Rescue and Public Apathy
Police were finally alerted around 8:03 am on Friday by a woman on her way to drop her son at school. Her husband recounted that she first informed a security guard, but he ignored her. As more people gathered, she asked them to call the police, but they made excuses—one even claimed not to have phone balance. Frustrated, she stayed at the scene and called the PCR herself, requesting immediate assistance.
This incident underscores broader issues of public safety and accountability in urban infrastructure projects. Police are verifying documents from the Delhi Jal Board to determine Prajapati's employment status at the time, as he claimed to have entered construction work only after COVID. The case continues to develop, with authorities emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
