Delhi Police have made the first arrest in connection with the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist who fell into an open pit dug for repair work by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in West Delhi’s Janakpuri area. A sub-contractor associated with the project, identified as Rajesh Prajapati, has been taken into custody as investigations intensify into lapses in safety and accountability.
The deceased, Kamal Dhyani, a resident of Janakpuri, was riding his motorcycle when he plunged into a deep pit that had allegedly been left uncovered and without adequate warning signs or barricades. Police have confirmed his identity and stated that the pit was part of an ongoing DJB repair project.
Following the incident, an FIR was registered at Janakpuri Police Station under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide) against the contractor involved and concerned officials of the Delhi Jal Board. Investigators are probing whether the death was a direct result of criminal negligence and violation of mandatory safety norms.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Delhi) Sharad Bhaskar said the investigation would examine every aspect of the worksite, including whether standard operating procedures were followed.
“The pit was part of an active DJB project. We are investigating whether proper barricading, warning signage and safety measures were in place. Responsibility will be fixed after examining the role of all stakeholders,” Bhaskar said.
The victim’s family has alleged grave negligence on the part of civic authorities and the Delhi Jal Board. Naresh Chand, Kamal Dhyani’s father, said the pit had appeared at the site only a few days before the incident and blamed authorities for failing to secure the area.
The deceased’s brother further accused the police of delayed response, claiming that the family approached multiple police stations in search of information before eventually learning about Kamal’s death through a phone call answered by an official.
The family has also alleged that delays in tracing Kamal’s mobile phone location may have worsened the situation, contributing to the fatal outcome.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on road safety and civic accountability in Delhi, where open pits, unfinished repair work and inadequate barricading have frequently led to accidents and loss of life. Residents of the area have claimed that the pit was poorly marked, posing a danger to commuters, especially at night.
The Delhi government has assured strict action against those found responsible as the investigation continues. Police have indicated that further arrests are not ruled out, depending on findings related to supervisory lapses and administrative approval of the worksite.
As the probe progresses, the Janakpuri tragedy stands as yet another reminder of how routine civic works, when carried out without basic safety precautions, can turn deadly, costing a young life and leaving a family devastated.
