Noida – Actor Abhinav Shukla has publicly criticized the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire department, and other authorities after the death of 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehra in Greater Noida. Mehra, a software engineer, died after his car plunged into a water-filled pit near a construction site in Sector 150, Noida.
The incident occurred on Friday when Mehra's car collided with a construction site wall and subsequently fell into a deep, water-filled trench. Reports indicate that Mehra immediately contacted emergency services and remained on top of his car for two hours, pleading for help. Despite the arrival of emergency teams with equipment, no rescuers entered the water during that time.
Shukla expressed his outrage in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Shame NDRF, Shame Fire Dept, Shame on authorities, you couldn't save a young kid!". He questioned the purpose of these departments if they cannot perform basic rescue operations for which they are trained and funded by taxpayers. Shukla further demanded immediate resignations from those responsible and called for a review of funding and training processes for emergency teams.
Adding to the tragedy, reports indicate that Mehra, who did not know how to swim, struggled for approximately 90 minutes to stay alive. He reportedly alerted his father via WhatsApp with his location and used his phone's flashlight to signal for help amidst dense fog and cold weather conditions, which hampered rescue efforts.
Shukla also lauded the efforts of a Flipkart delivery person who attempted to rescue Mehra by tying a rope around himself and entering the water. However, the delivery person was ultimately unsuccessful. Shukla highlighted this act of bravery, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of the professional rescue teams.
The incident has sparked public anger and raised questions about the preparedness and effectiveness of emergency response services in the region. Social media has been flooded with reactions to the incident, with many echoing Shukla's sentiments and demanding accountability.
