New Delhi: A motorcyclist lost his life after his bike plunged into an open Delhi Jal Board (DJB) pit in Janakpuri, west Delhi, police said on Friday.

The victim was returning home late at night from his office in Rohini when he went missing. Concerned family members searched at multiple police stations before New Delhi: A 25-year-old motorcyclist allegedly died after his bike fell into an open Delhi Jal Board (DJB) pit in Janakpuri on Thursday night while he was returning home from work. The deceased has been identified as Kamal Dhyani, a call centre employee at HDFC Bank in Rohini.

According to the family, Kamal had spoken to his brother shortly before the incident and said he would reach home in about 10 minutes. When he failed to return and stopped answering calls, the family began searching for him across multiple police stations.

His body was found inside a nearly 15-foot-deep pit along with his motorcycle on Friday morning.

Family say police response was delayed

Kamal’s brother and friends alleged that despite visiting at least six police stations overnight, they did not receive timely help. They said police tracked Kamal’s phone to the Janakpuri area but did not share an exact location, forcing friends and family to search the area themselves.

"The police gave us his last location in this area. We kept looking for him but couldn't find him. This is gross carelessness. My brother was not crazy that he would deliberately crash into the pit,” his brother said.

A friend of the deceased also questioned why the phone could not be traced accurately during the night. “At 1:30 am, I checked this pit, but he was not there at that time. We visited atleast 6 police stations but did not receive any help... In the morning, when I again called my brother's phone number, the police picked up the call and informed us that his body had been recovered from the pit,” he said.

What have police and authorities said?

DCP West Sharad Bhaskar confirmed that the pit was dug for Delhi Jal Board work and said police would investigate all stakeholders involved. He added that a woman alerted police around 8 am about a body inside the pit, following which the incident came to light.

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood expressed grief and said strict action would be taken if any DJB official is found negligent.

"I received news of this unfortunate accident around 8:30-9 am, and I have been here since then... Delhi Jal Board work was in progress here, and I have instructed the Jal Board to investigate the safety protocols. If anyone is found responsible, they will not be spared... The Jal Board had conducted an audit of all safety protocols and issued circulars... The police are looking into the cause of the accident... Any official from the Jal Board found responsible for jeopardising the safety measures will not be spared..." he stated.

The Delhi Jal Board also issued a statement, saying a committee has been formed to probe the incident and assured action against anyone responsible.

"The Delhi Jal Board expresses deep sorrow over the tragic accident that occurred during the Pipeline Rehabilitation Project (Pipeline Rehabilitation Site) of DJB in Janakpuri and extends its condolences to the bereaved family. A committee has been constituted to investigate the incident, and strict action will be taken if negligence is found at any level. Regular inspections of safety arrangements at all workplaces are ongoing. Citizens are requested to report any unsafe workplace on the toll-free number 1916," the post read.

BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri demanded accountability and strict punishment for those involved.

Police have registered an FIR and further investigation is underway.