Subcontractor Arrested After Biker Falls Into Unsecured DJB Pit In Janakpuri, Probe Into Negligence Deepens

A subcontractor has been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the death of a 47-year-old biker who fell into a deep, unguarded pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in west Delhi's Janakpuri.

The arrest, made on Saturday (February 7), has intensified scrutiny over alleged negligence by contractors and civic authorities after the tragic incident that has sparked outrage among residents.

Police said the accused, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, failed to alert authorities even after allegedly learning that the victim and his motorcycle had plunged into the pit late Thursday night.

The case has been registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and further arrests are expected as the investigation expands.

The Night of the Fatal Accident

The victim, Kamal Dhyani, a resident of Kailashpuri, was returning home from his workplace in Rohini on Thursday night when his motorcycle reportedly plunged into a 15-20-foot-deep pit around 11 pm.

The excavation site, dug for Delhi Jal Board work, was allegedly left unsecured and without adequate warning signs or barricades.

According to police, a family passing by witnessed the fall and immediately alerted a nearby security guard and a worker present in a tent near the site. Both individuals were employees under the subcontractor overseeing the work.

The information was relayed to Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, who reached the spot later that night.

Investigators said Prajapati saw that the biker and motorcycle had fallen into the pit but allegedly left the location without informing police or emergency services.

The body and the damaged motorcycle were discovered only the following morning by another passerby, prompting police to launch an inquiry.

Arrest and Investigation into Negligence

Police arrested Prajapati after gathering evidence that he had prior knowledge of the incident but failed to report it.

Officials described his alleged inaction as a key factor that delayed rescue and recovery efforts. An FIR has also been registered against Delhi Jal Board officials and the main contractor responsible for the site, with authorities examining possible lapses in safety protocols.

Officers said more arrests could follow as investigators review CCTV footage, witness statements and construction records to determine accountability. The probe is focusing on whether proper barricading, lighting and warning signage were in place at the time of the incident.

Family Alleges Serious Lapses, Demands Justice

The victim's family has alleged gross negligence and delay in response by authorities. Kamal's twin brother, Karan Dhyani, said the family spent the night searching across multiple police stations, including Dabri, Vikas Puri and Sagarpur, but received no information about his whereabouts.

Their lawyer has accused civic authorities of failing to ensure basic safety at the construction site, claiming the pit was left open without reflectors, barricades, lighting or proper covering.

The family has also raised concerns over delays in accessing CCTV footage and has demanded swift action against those responsible.

"No compensation can make up for this loss. We only want justice, and we want it quickly," Karan Dhyani said, urging authorities to hold all those responsible accountable.

Local Residents Raise Safety Concerns

Residents of Janakpuri have also voiced anger, alleging that safety measures such as barricades and reflectors were installed only after the fatal incident.

Locals claim that open pits, construction debris and traffic disruptions had persisted in the area for months, posing risks to commuters and schoolchildren.

Many have called for stricter monitoring of civic projects and accountability for contractors who fail to maintain safety standards.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and assured that action will be taken against all those found responsible in what many are calling a preventable tragedy.