The Uttar Pradesh government took decisive action on Monday, removing Lokesh M from his position as CEO of the Noida Authority. This move came alongside the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate the tragic death of software engineer Yuvraj Mehta.
Engineer Drowns in Hazardous Trench
Yuvraj Mehta drowned on Friday night after his car plunged into a waterlogged trench at a commercial site in Sector 150. The road where the accident occurred features a sharp right-angle turn that becomes particularly dangerous during foggy conditions. Alarmingly, the site lacked essential warning signs, lights, and proper barricades.
Delayed Rescue and Official Response
Rescue efforts faced critical delays according to reports. Mehta's father has accused police and other agencies of failing to act swiftly. Witnesses stated that the young techie remained alive and shouted for help when police arrived, but officers could not assist because they did not know how to swim.
A senior police officer confirmed to media that swimming skills are not a mandatory requirement for police personnel. Mehta, who also could not swim, managed to stay afloat briefly by clinging to his car before ultimately going down while crying for help.
Chief Minister Takes Serious Note
The government's action followed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath taking "serious cognisance" of the incident. The newly formed SIT will be headed by Additional Director General of Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar. Other members include Divisional Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department.
The investigation team has received clear instructions to submit its report directly to the Chief Minister within five days. This tight deadline underscores the urgency with which the administration is treating this case.
CEO Removed and Officials Face Action
Lokesh M, who also headed the Noida Metro Rail Corporation, has been placed on compulsory waiting. As CEO of Noida Authority, he bore responsibility for daily administration, civic planning, and enforcement functions. A 2005-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Lokesh M assumed the CEO role in July 2023.
Earlier actions included the suspension of junior engineer Naveen Kumar, who handled traffic-related work in the area. The authority also issued notices to other officials connected to the site.
FIR Against Developers and Local Protests
On Sunday, police registered an FIR against two real estate developers - Wishtown Planners and Lotus Greens. These companies won the project site where the dangerous trench was dug. The charges include alleged negligence for failing to install necessary safety measures like barricades and reflectors.
Local residents protested at the accident site, accusing the Noida Authority of negligence. They revealed that several accidents had occurred previously at the same location. Despite repeated requests for safety installations, their concerns went unheeded.
Following the protest, the Noida Authority dumped hundreds of tonnes of debris near the site, though the purpose of this action remains unclear.
Pattern of Negligence Emerges
The incident highlights what appears to be a pattern of safety neglect in the area. Residents' complaints about the hazardous turn and lack of warning systems were apparently ignored until this tragedy claimed a life. The combination of poor road design, inadequate safety measures, and delayed rescue response created a perfect storm with fatal consequences.
The swift government response indicates recognition of both the immediate tragedy and broader systemic issues. The removal of a senior official, formation of a high-level investigation team, and legal action against developers suggest the administration aims to address both accountability and prevention.
