NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended a labourer from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the death of a 25-year-old biker who fell into an uncovered 15-foot-deep pit dug for sewer work in west Delhi’s Janakpuri, officials said.
The labourer allegedly fled the spot without informing the police or emergency services. The subcontractor involved in the project has already been arrested.
The labourer, identified as Yogesh, was apprehended for allegedly failing to report the incident to the authorities and for misleading the victim’s family when they arrived at the spot searching for him, an officer said.
“Yogesh informed the sub-contractor, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, about the incident during the night but did not alert the police or any emergency agency. When the victim’s family reached the spot later that night, Yogesh misled them,” the officer said. The duty magistrate granted one day of police custody to Prajapati for further probe, he added.
According to police, an eyewitness first informed a guard stationed near the site that someone had fallen into the pit. The guard then informed Yogesh, who subsequently alerted Prajapati. However, no information was shared with the police at that time. Police were finally informed around 8 am on Friday after receiving a PCR call from a woman, by which time the biker had already died.
DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said sub-contractor Rajesh Kumar Prajapati was arrested under Section 105 (culpable homicide) of the BNS. “Based on technical surveillance, we identified eyewitness Vipin Singh, who saw the motorcycle fall into the pit and alerted a guard,” Bhaskar said.
Police said Yogesh saw the motorcycle’s headlight on and a human figure inside the pit. Mobile records confirmed that Yogesh called Prajapati at 12.22 am, following which the contractor reached the site. Yogesh’s role is under examination, and further legal action will follow based on evidence. CCTV footage and other technical inputs are being analysed to establish the sequence of events.
The victim, Kamal Dhyani, a private bank employee from Kailashpuri, was returning home when he fell into the pit early Friday. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has directed DJB engineers to inspect all ongoing construction sites and take corrective measures.
Minister Sood meets victim’s family, assures all help
Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Sunday met the family of the Janakpuri accident victim and expressed deep condolences. Calling the incident extremely painful and unbearable, Sood said the Delhi government stands firmly with the family. He assured all possible assistance, a thorough probe and strict action if negligence is found.