Delhi pit death: Barricades put up at site after biker fell? Police probe labourer's claim

NEW DELHI: Police investigating the death of Kamal Dhyani, who fell into a pit in Janakpuri, are trying to ascertain whether the contractors working on the site tried to cover up lapses.

Sources said Yogesh, the labourer who was arrested, told cops he was asked by sub-contractor Rajesh Kumar Prajapati to alter the accident site. Yogesh and Prajapati have been arrested.




A senior police officer said Prajapati directed Yogesh to put up green sheets and position barricades in a way that created the appearance that all safety protocols were in place. Investigators also suspect a conference call took place shortly after the incident, involving Prajapati, contractor Himanshu Gupta and his employee who works as a manager, during which the incident was discussed but deliberately withheld from cops. "We will question the manager," the officer said.

When Dhyani's family visited the site, Yogesh allegedly didn't disclose any details despite knowing what had happened, he added.

An eyewitness, Vipin Singh, said he saw a motorcycle fall into the pit Friday and informed the security guard of a nearby residential complex. The guard then alerted Yogesh. When Yogesh arrived at the scene, the bike's headlight was still on. He contacted his superior, Rajesh Prajapati, at 12:22 am. Prajapati reached the spot within 15-20 minutes from his home in Tri Nagar. The inquiry revealed the pit was dug on Jan 5 afternoon, a few hours before the accident occurred.

Meanwhile, Dhyani's family has alleged that those arrested were merely "small players" while the ones responsible were yet to be held accountable. On Monday, non-bailable warrants were issued against the contractors, Himanshu Gupta and his brother Kavish, but they failed to join the probe, said police. Teams are conducting raids in UP and other states. While Prajapati's police custody was extended by one day, Yogesh was remanded in judicial custody.

Police received the post-mortem report Monday evening. The family said the cause of death was asphyxia.