Delhi Police File FIR Over Janakpuri Pit Death Citing Safety Lapses
The Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide against a contractor and officials of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) following the tragic death of a 25-year-old man who fell into an unmarked 15-foot-deep pit in West Delhi's Janakpuri. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, highlighting severe safety failures at the excavation site.
Lack of Basic Safety Measures at Excavation Site
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police, the pit was dug by the DJB and its contractor near Professor Joginder Singh Marg, close to Andhra School, as part of a sewer project. Critical safety measures were completely absent at the location. The FIR explicitly states that there was no barricading, warning signs, or security guards deployed to alert road users about the hazardous excavation work.
"The inspection of the scene clearly suggests that the pit was left open without any protective measures, posing a serious risk to commuters," the FIR noted. A spot inspection conducted after the accident revealed that the authorities were aware of the excavation but failed to implement basic precautions, leaving the pit exposed and dangerous.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The victim, identified as Kamal Dhyani, was an employee at a private bank in Rohini. He was returning home on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday when his motorcycle plunged into the deep pit. The fall resulted in fatal injuries for Dhyani. He was rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital on Friday morning, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Police officials reported that Dhyani's bike was retrieved from the pit, and the investigation confirmed that the absence of safety protocols directly contributed to the accident. The pit, situated in the middle of the road, had been left open without any safeguards, creating a lethal trap for unsuspecting commuters.
Legal Action and Broader Implications
The police have taken swift legal action by filing a culpable homicide case against the contractor and DJB officials involved in the project. This move underscores the gravity of the negligence observed at the site. The case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and accountability in public infrastructure projects across Delhi.
Key points from the investigation include:
- The pit was 15 feet deep and located on a public road without any warning systems.
- Authorities failed to adhere to standard safety protocols for excavation work.
- The incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in urban development projects.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety measures in construction and public works. It raises urgent questions about oversight and responsibility in ensuring citizen safety on Delhi's roads.
