New Delhi: The death of a 25-year-old bank employee in an open trench in Delhi’s Janakpuri area has triggered widespread outrage, with the victim’s family alleging serious lapses by civic agencies and police during the critical hours after he went missing.
The deceased, Kamal, a resident of Kailashpuri, had been working with a private bank for the past three years. According to family members, Kamal was returning home from office on the night of February 5–6, a route he had been using regularly for years. He reportedly spoke to his family around 11:30 pm, assuring them that he would reach home shortly. However, he never arrived.
As concern grew, family members and friends began searching for him and approached multiple police stations through the night. They claim that complaints were not formally registered and that their pleas for immediate assistance were not acted upon promptly.
The following morning, the family received information from the police that Kamal had met with an accident. His body was later found inside a deep open trench allegedly dug by the Delhi Jal Board, with his motorcycle and helmet nearby.
Family members allege that the trench was uncovered, unbarricaded, and had no warning signage, making it virtually invisible at night. They have also raised questions over the timeline, claiming that when they checked the pit during the night, Kamal was not visible there, deepening doubts over how and when he fell into the trench.
Delhi Police, however, maintain that immediate action was taken. According to senior officials, mobile tower location data was traced during the night and search operations were conducted in nearby areas. Police said the body was recovered the next morning after a PCR call alerted them to a person lying inside the pit.
The incident has since escalated into a political flashpoint. The Delhi Jal Board has announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident and fix accountability. The Board has stated that strict action will be taken if negligence is established at any level.
Political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, have alleged systemic failure and civic negligence, while the BJP has maintained that the matter is under investigation.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has once again highlighted critical concerns over open excavation sites, road safety, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response mechanisms in the national capital.
Legal Note: This report is based on statements from family members, police officials, and civic authorities. The matter is under investigation, and conclusions regarding responsibility will be determined by the competent authorities.
