New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Sunday took into custody a labourer linked to a sewer construction project in connection with the death of a young motorcyclist who plunged into an unguarded pit in west Delhi’s Janakpuri area. Investigators say the accused failed to alert authorities after the accident and later misled the victim’s family during their search.
The arrested labourer, identified as 23-year-old Yogesh, was working under a sub-contractor engaged by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for sewer-related work. According to police officials, Yogesh was present near the site when the accident occurred and became aware of the biker’s fall shortly after it happened.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said Yogesh did not inform the police, ambulance services or any emergency agency despite knowing that a person had fallen into the pit. Instead, he allegedly informed the sub-contractor, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, during the night. When the victim’s relatives arrived at the location hours later, searching for the missing man, Yogesh reportedly denied any knowledge of the incident and subsequently left the area.
Police tracked Yogesh to Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, from where he was arrested. His detention follows the arrest of Prajapati, 47, a day earlier, for allegedly suppressing information about the accident despite being alerted soon after it occurred. A local court has granted the police one day of custody of the sub-contractor for further questioning.
Investigators revealed that call detail records show Yogesh contacted Prajapati around 12.22 am, prompting the latter to reach the site within minutes. However, the police were formally informed only around 8 am the next morning, by which time the victim had already succumbed.
Earlier findings suggest Yogesh had looked into the trench after being alerted by a security guard and noticed a motorcycle with its headlight still on and a person lying inside the pit. Despite this, no immediate rescue effort or official intimation followed.
The deceased, Kamal Dhyani, 25, worked with a private bank and lived in Kailashpuri. He was riding home late Thursday night when he fell into the nearly 15-foot-deep excavation. His family spent hours searching hospitals, police stations and nearby areas before mobile phone location data helped trace his last known position near the construction site.
An FIR has been registered at Janakpuri Police Station under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, against the sub-contractor and concerned DJB officials. Three DJB employees have already been placed under suspension.
Police said Yogesh’s precise role is under further scrutiny and additional charges may be added based on evidence. CCTV footage from nearby areas and other technical data are being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine accountability.
