A non-bailable warrant has been issued against absconding Lotus Greens founder Nirmal Singh in connection with the tragic death of engineer Yuvraj Mehta, who drowned after his car plunged into a waterlogged trench in Noida's Sector 150 on January 17. The warrant marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding this high-profile case that has drawn widespread attention to construction safety and regulatory compliance issues in the region.
Police Intensify Manhunt for Absconding Builder
Nirmal Singh has been on the run since the case surfaced, with multiple raids currently underway to trace and arrest him. Police authorities have issued a stern warning that if Singh fails to surrender or continues to evade arrest, proceedings to attach his property will be initiated. This development comes as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to bring all responsible parties to justice in this complex investigation.
Multiple Legal Charges Filed Against Accused
Singh is facing serious charges in an FIR filed under multiple sections of environmental and criminal laws. The charges include violations under the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Specifically, he faces allegations under BNS sections 290 (negligence in building construction or demolition), 270 (public nuisance), and 125 (negligence endangering human life).
Additional Stakeholders Named in FIR
The FIR also names several other stakeholders connected to the incident. These include Abhay Kumar, owner of the commercial plot and director of real estate company MZ Wiztown, along with three other individuals associated with the plot: Sanjay Kumar, Manish Kumar, and Achal Bohra of Lotus Greens. The inclusion of multiple parties reflects the comprehensive nature of the investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Case
So far, significant progress has been made in the investigation with several arrests already executed. Wiztown director Abhay Kumar was arrested on January 20, while two directors of Lotus Greens, Ravi Bansal and Sachin Karnwal, were taken into custody on January 22. These individuals face charges under BNS sections 105 (culpable homicide), 106-1 (causing death by negligence), and 125 (rashness or negligence endangering human life).
Police Action Against Builder Offices
Following the arrests of Bansal and Karnwal, police authorities took the additional step of sealing the Noida offices of the two builders. This action demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this case and their commitment to ensuring accountability at all levels of the organizations involved.
Broader Implications for Construction Industry
The case has raised important questions about construction safety standards, regulatory oversight, and corporate responsibility in India's rapidly developing urban centers. The tragic death of Yuvraj Mehta has highlighted the potential dangers of inadequate safety measures at construction sites, particularly during monsoon seasons when waterlogging becomes a significant hazard.
As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities remain focused on locating Nirmal Singh and bringing him before the court. The issuance of a non-bailable warrant represents a critical development in this ongoing legal saga that continues to capture public attention and concern regarding construction safety protocols in urban development projects.