New Delhi: A 25-year-old man lost his life after allegedly falling into a pit dug for Delhi Jal Board work in West Delhi’s Janakpuri area, officials said on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Kamal Dhyani.
The incident occurred at a site where excavation was underway as part of the Delhi Jal Board’s pipeline rehabilitation project. According to officials, Dhyani was riding his motorcycle when it fell into a nearly 15-foot-deep pit during the night.
The Delhi Jal Board expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the victim’s family. In a statement, the DJB said a committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and to determine whether all prescribed safety norms were followed. The board stated that strict action would be taken if any official is found responsible at any level. It also maintained that safety arrangements at all worksites are regularly reviewed.
As per DJB’s preliminary findings, the excavation site was barricaded and covered with green mesh. The inquiry committee is expected to submit its report by Friday evening.
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood took cognisance of the incident and said strict measures were being initiated. He said a circular had been issued, directing the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Deputy Commissioner of Police, senior Public Works Department officials and other senior officers to jointly inspect the site and issue necessary directions.
Providing details, DCP West Darde Sharad Bhaskar said a pit had been dug for Delhi Jal Board work and Dhyani’s motorcycle fell into it, leading to his death. He said all stakeholders involved in the DJB project would be investigated.
According to police, the deceased’s brother reached Janakpuri Police Station around 2:45 am after Kamal failed to return home. Police tracked his mobile phone location to the Janakpuri District Park area, following which searches were conducted for over two hours but without success.
The incident came to light around 8 am when a woman informed police about a body lying inside the excavation pit. Police later recovered the body and informed the family.
Responding to allegations by the family that they did not receive assistance from multiple police stations, the DCP said the matter would be examined if such claims were found to be accurate.
Police said an FIR is being registered and further investigation is underway. The motorcycle involved in the accident will be removed from the pit soon.
