A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the tragic deaths of two bank employees, Punyashray Sharma (48) and Viraj (26), who drowned after being trapped in their sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the flooded Old Faridabad Railway underpass, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The incident, which occurred late on Friday night, saw the victims returning home to Greater Faridabad from Gurugram. Heavy rainfall throughout the day had led to severe waterlogging in the underpass.
Police had set up barricades and were cautioning drivers against attempting to cross, but the victims reportedly ignored these warnings.
According to police sub-inspector Rajesh Kumar, the SUV, an XUV 700, entered the underpass around 11:50 pm after the occupants removed the barricade. The vehicle quickly became submerged in the rising water, and the car’s doors locked, trapping the two men inside.
Despite desperate efforts from passersby to rescue them, Viraj died at the scene, while Sharma was later declared dead at the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital.
Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Vikram Singh, acting on instructions from the Haryana Chief Secretary, has initiated a magisterial investigation. The inquiry will be overseen by Additional Deputy Commissioner Anand Sharma, who has already begun the probe.
“This was a serious accident. A thorough report is being prepared, and legal action will follow if any negligence is found. We are committed to ensuring such a tragedy does not recur,” said Kuldeep Singh, DCP NIT Faridabad.
Police have also opened a separate investigation following a complaint lodged by Viraj’s brother. Further scrutiny will examine whether any additional factors contributed to the tragedy, such as the removal of safety barriers or other procedural failures.
A colleague of the deceased, Arjun Singh, speculated that Viraj, who was new to the Delhi-NCR area, may not have been aware of the waterlogged conditions. Both men had left the bank late at night and were headed home when the incident occurred.
This tragic event has prompted calls for improved safety measures and infrastructure maintenance in Faridabad’s flood-prone areas to prevent future incidents.
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