A 25-year-old biker named Kamal Dhyani lost his life after falling into an open pit managed by the Delhi Jal Board in Janakpuri. The incident has raised serious questions about safety standards at construction sites in the capital. The latest autopsy report has confirmed that the young man died due to suffocation after falling into the 15-foot-deep sewer pit.
What did the autopsy report reveal?
The post-mortem examination provided clear details about the cause of death. Doctors stated that the victim died from traumatic asphyxia and suffocation. Loose soil from the pit entered his mouth and nostrils, which completely blocked his airways.
The report also mentioned that his motorcycle, an Apache RTR 200, fell directly on his chest and waist. This heavy weight prevented his chest from expanding, making it impossible for him to breathe. Additionally, burn marks were found on his right thigh, caused by prolonged contact with the bike’s hot silencer.
Who has been arrested in this case?
Police have taken strict legal action against those responsible for the site safety. A Delhi court has issued Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) against the two main contractors, Himanshu Gupta and Kavish Gupta. Both brothers are currently absconding, and police teams are tracking them in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities have already arrested the subcontractor, Rajesh Prajapati, whose police remand was extended by one day. A laborer named Yogesh, who was present at the site but failed to alert emergency services, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Three engineers from the Delhi Jal Board have also been suspended for negligence.
How did the negligence happen?
The investigation highlights a major lapse in safety protocols. The construction site had no barricades, warning signs, reflectors, or security guards to warn commuters. The incident occurred around 12:15 AM, but the police were not informed until nearly eight hours later at 8:00 AM.
Subcontractor Rajesh Prajapati reportedly reached the spot shortly after the fall but did not call the police or an ambulance. This delay in reporting the incident proved fatal. The police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide.
