A Delhi biker died as he fell in an open Jal Board pit after which the Delhi government suspended three Delhi Jal Board engineers, including an executive engineer, an assistant engineer and a junior engineer. The fatal incident took place in South West Delhi's Janakpuri. The incident triggered public outrage and raised questions over on-site safety measures, barricading and supervision.
Soon after the incident coming to fore, the government acted swiftly and announced setting up of a committee to probe the death of a motorcyclist who fell into an uncovered pit at a road construction site in Janakpuri. The government has suspended three Delhi Jal Board engineers as part of disciplinary action following a preliminary review of the incident.
The victim, identified as Kamal Dhyani (25), reportedly lost his life after his motorcycle plunged into a large, unmarked pit dug as part of the Janakpuri Line Rehabilitation Project being executed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The incident occurred late last night in a lane where no traffic movement was permitted due to ongoing work.Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma visited the site to conduct an inspection as people raised slogans denouncing the government over the incident. “The committee has been asked to submit a detailed report by this evening,” Verma stated.
Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the officials - an Executive Engineer (AXN), Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) - linked to the Janakpuri Line Rehabilitation Project area have been placed under suspension pending inquiry.The government has also announced ex-gratia payment to the family of the deceased.
Officials said the suspensions are an interim measure and further action may follow based on the findings of the high-level inquiry ordered by the government. The probe committee has been tasked with inspecting the accident site, reviewing safety arrangements, checking compliance with norms, and fixing responsibility for any lapses. “Safety of citizens is non-negotiable. Accountability will be enforced. Such incidents will not be allowed to repeat”, he added.
Police had earlier said they received a call about the accident around 7 am and found the biker and his motorcycle inside the excavation near Janakpuri District Centre. Investigators are examining whether adequate barricades, warning signs and lighting were in place at the location, especially during night hours.
Verma, addressing the matter, confirmed that a committee has been formed to conduct a thorough and transparent probe. The panel has been directed to immediately inspect the accident site, review safety arrangements including barricading, signage, and traffic management, verify compliance with safety norms, fix responsibility for any lapses, and recommend strict corrective and disciplinary measures.
Responding to questions on possible governmental negligence, Verma defended the response of both the administration and Delhi Police. He stated that police were alerted only in the morning when a woman spotted the body while dropping her child to school. He claimed a Janakpuri constable had attempted to locate the missing man during the night itself, but full investigation could begin only after the body was discovered.
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