Midnight alert ignored? Sub-contractor held as Delhi biker’s fall into pit triggers criminal case

New Delhi: Delhi Police on Saturday arrested a sub-contractor in connection with the death of Kamal Dhyani, who fell into a pit dug for a sewer pipeline rehabilitation project in Janakpuri. The incident has triggered a government-ordered probe and allegations of negligence.

According to police, investigations revealed that sub-contractor Rajesh Prajapati was informed about the accident hours earlier but allegedly failed to take action. A family passing through the area on the intervening night noticed that the victim had fallen into the pit and alerted a security guard stationed there, as well as a person living in a nearby tent.

The security guard, employed by Prajapati, informed a junior staff member the same night that a person had fallen into the pit. Police said the junior staff member called Prajapati at around 12.22 am and asked him to reach the site. Officials stated that Prajapati arrived, saw a motorcycle and the man inside the pit, but did not inform authorities and returned home.

Kamal Dhyani, a resident of Kailashpuri and an employee at a private bank’s call centre, was returning home from his office in Rohini when he fell into the pit, which was nearly 15 feet deep.

An FIR has been registered at Janakpuri Police Station under Section 105 (culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the contractor and concerned Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials. Police said the investigation is being carried out on priority and strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty.

Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood said that officials suspected of negligence have been suspended. After inspecting the site, Sood stated that a committee was formed immediately following his visit.

“Immediate action was taken under the guidance of the water minister, and after the chief minister's intervention, all officials suspected of negligence have been suspended,” Sood said. He added that FIRs have been registered against both the DJB and the contractor.

“If any DJB officials are found guilty during the inquiry, cases will be registered against them as well. Legal action is also being taken against the contractor for negligence, and arrests are being carried out as part of the ongoing police action,” he said.

Expressing grief, the minister said, “Our pain and sorrow cannot bring the man back, but I assure you that the chief minister is personally monitoring the entire case and ensuring timely updates.”

The incident has also affected traffic movement on the key road connecting Vikaspuri and adjoining areas. Sood said steps are being taken to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on a single carriageway in both directions while restoration work continues.

A joint inspection was conducted by officials from Delhi Police, the municipal corporation, Delhi Traffic Police, DJB and the Public Works Department to expedite road restoration.

Police added that preliminary investigation suggests the pit was part of ongoing DJB construction work and had been barricaded. The victim’s family has alleged negligence on the part of the DJB and suspects foul play in his death.

The Delhi government has ordered a detailed probe into the incident.