The tragic death of a 27-year-old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in Greater Noida has led to the arrest of a builder and intensified scrutiny of Noida Authority officials. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mehta's death, focusing on potential negligence by the Noida Authority.
Details of the Incident
Yuvraj Mehta died on January 16th after his car plunged into a water-filled pit near a construction site in Sector 150, Greater Noida. Mehta's vehicle veered off the road and into the excavation site, which lacked adequate safety measures such as barricades and reflectors, especially crucial given the dense fog that night. Reports indicate that Mehta remained trapped in his car for nearly two hours, desperately calling for help while rescue efforts proved unsuccessful. His father, Raj Kumar Mehta, witnessed the horrific scene. Medical findings indicated that Yuvraj Mehta suffocated underwater and suffered a cardiac arrest.
SIT Investigation and Questioning
Following public outrage and allegations of negligence, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member SIT to investigate the incident. The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police Bhanu Bhaskar, includes the Meerut divisional commissioner and the chief engineer of the Public Works Department. The team is tasked with submitting a report to the government within five days. The SIT is gathering information from all stakeholders, including the Noida Authority, police, fire brigade, and other relevant departments.
The SIT has been actively questioning Noida Authority officials, particularly those connected to the traffic cell, regarding alleged negligence. The team spent hours at the Noida Authority headquarters in Sector 6, questioning both senior and junior-level staff. The focus is on determining who is responsible for the lapses that led to the accident and what preventative measures could have been implemented.
Builder Sent to Judicial Custody
Abhay Kumar, director of MZ Wiztown Planners, the company owning the construction plot where the incident occurred, was arrested and presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Surajpur. He has been sent to judicial custody. Police are reportedly making efforts to arrest the other builder of real estate developer Lotus Greens named in the FIR. The FIR was lodged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to culpable homicide, causing death by negligence, and endangering human life.
Noida Authority Action and Fallout
Amid the public outcry, the Uttar Pradesh government removed the Noida Authority's Chief Executive Officer, Lokesh M, from his position and terminated the services of a junior engineer from the traffic cell. The court reprimanded authorities for negligence and questioned why previous complaints about the site were ignored.
The SIT also examined the accident site, focusing on the layout of the plot, the developer's role, and the absence of safety measures. Forensic experts collected samples from the site as part of the ongoing investigation.
Eyewitness Account and Allegations
Eyewitness Mohinder Singh, a delivery executive, alleged that the Knowledge Park police threatened him and pressured him to remain silent. He claimed that he was forced to record a statement based on a script provided by police officials. The police have denied these allegations.
The incident has raised concerns about the functioning of the Knowledge Park police station, particularly regarding their response to the accident and allegations of intimidation. The SIT is reportedly examining potential lapses on the part of the Knowledge Park police.
