9-year-old's shock death in Delhi fails to spur officials into action

NEW DELHI: Last year on May 24, nine-year-old Aryaman Chaudhary, an avid cricket enthusiast, was chasing a moment of innocent joy when he ran after a ball that had rolled near an open switchboard attached to an electric pole in a park in Kalkaji, southeast Delhi. In an instant, a playful afternoon turned into an unspeakable tragedy, shattering his family's world.

Although police registered a case under sections pertaining to negligence, the Forensic Science Laboratory report remained pending, and responses to police notices from two govt departments were yet to be received even eight months after the incident.


Prolonged delays and no clarity on accountability forced Aryaman's father, Randeep Kumar, to file a petition in Delhi high court.

"After months of waiting and confusion between departments, we finally moved court," he said, adding that despite attempts to seek help from political leaders, there was no response, leaving him with no option but legal recourse.

The family, which lives close to the park where the incident occurred, plans to move out of the area, but the decision to relocate has been delayed due to the education of Randeep's elder son. "He was in Class 10 at the time, and we didn't want to disrupt his studies," he told TOI. "His board exams are scheduled for Feb, and once they are over, we plan to shift."

Living near the park has been emotionally overwhelming, he said. "Every time we step out and see the park, it brings back painful memories. It is extremely difficult to carry on with daily life while being constantly reminded of that day."

Remembering Aryaman's love for cricket fondly, Randeep said, "He had memorised the names of players and coaches from all IPL teams. Cricket was not just a game for him; it was his world."

Highlighting negligence, Randeep, a yoga instructor, said parks meant for children should never have exposed electrical equipment or open wiring. "This tragedy could have been prevented with basic safety measures. Parks should use solar-powered lighting. Live meter boxes and open panels pose a serious risk to children," he said.

He also alleged apathy among residents, saying negligence extended beyond authorities. "Even before my son's death, there had been another electrocution here, but no one paid attention," he said.

According to police, a case was registered under BNS sections 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence). At the time of the incident, BSES claimed the electric pole belonged to MCD. However, an MCD official later stated an inspection revealed the electrical panel belonged to BSES.