UP Government Takes Action After Noida Techie's Tragic Death
The Uttar Pradesh government has removed Dr Lokesh M from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority. This decisive move comes just two days after a 27-year-old software professional drowned in a deep ditch in Noida's Sector 150.
Chief Minister Orders Swift Investigation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognizance of the incident. He ordered a Special Investigation Team probe by high-ranking officials. The government issued an official statement confirming the action.
A three-member SIT will investigate the circumstances leading to the accident. Additional Director General of Meerut zone, Bhanu Bhaskar, will head this team. The SIT must submit its report directly to the Chief Minister within five days.
The Fateful Incident in Noida
Around 12:30 am on Saturday, software professional Yuvraj Mehta met with tragedy. The Noida resident worked for a company in Gurgaon. Dense fog covered the area that night.
Mehta allegedly drove his car off the dark road. The vehicle crashed through a broken boundary wall. It plunged into a ditch said to be tens of feet deep.
According to the victim's family, Mehta managed to climb out of his partially submerged car. He stood on the vehicle's roof, screaming for help for nearly two hours. Although people could hear his voice, the thick fog made him invisible to rescuers.
Allegations of Delayed Response
Raj Mehta, the victim's father, filed a complaint with police. He alleged that police personnel reached the spot but refused to enter the water. They reportedly cited safety concerns and an inability to swim.
The father also claimed local residents had previously requested the Noida Authority to barricade the drain. They had asked for reflectors to be installed. No action had been taken on these requests.
Police Response and FIR Registration
Additional Commissioner of Police Rajeev Mishra called the incident "very tragic." He stated that local police coordinated with the Fire Brigade to take "swift action." They deployed ladders, cranes, searchlights and a makeshift boat.
"The final rescue was ensured with the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force," Mishra explained. "There was zero visibility at the time of the incident. Based on the written complaint filed by the victim's family, a case has been registered. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty."
On Sunday, Noida Police registered an FIR against two real estate companies. Police accused them of negligence and culpable homicide. One company issued a statement saying it no longer had possession of the plot.
Background of the Removed Officer
Dr Lokesh M is a 2005-batch IAS officer from Karnataka. The Uttar Pradesh government appointed him as CEO of the Noida Authority on July 20, 2023. Following his removal, he has been placed on 'waitlist.'
Before this appointment, Dr Lokesh M served as district collector in several UP districts:
- Kaushambi
- Amroha
- Ghazipur
- Etah
- Kushinagar
- Mainpuri
He previously held significant positions including Kanpur Commissioner and Saharanpur's Divisional Commissioner for about 22 months. During 2013-14, he served as Special Secretary to the UP government's Horticulture & Food Processing Department and Housing & Urban Planning Department.
Earlier in his career, Dr Lokesh M worked as Joint Magistrate and Collector of Saharanpur in 2007-08. He served as Chief Development Officer of Prayagraj in 2008-09. The officer was also deputed in Karnataka for five years on personal grounds.
The Uttar Pradesh government's action demonstrates its serious approach to this tragedy. The swift removal of the Noida Authority CEO and the immediate SIT probe order show administrative responsiveness. The investigation will now determine the exact circumstances and responsibility for this preventable death.
