Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: The tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in Greater Noida has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the city’s infrastructure and safety standards.

On Saturday evening, Yuvraj was returning home from Gurugram when dense fog surrounded his car. In the poor visibility, his vehicle veered off a 90-degree stretch of road and plunged into a waterlogged excavation pit in Sector 150. The pit, reportedly dug two years ago, had already witnessed accidents in the past but remained unfenced and unmanaged.

Yuvraj managed to climb onto the rooftop of his car and called his father for help. Despite a 90-minute rescue operation by police and fire officials, he drowned before being pulled out.

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Eyewitnesses reported that ropes were too short, cranes arrived late, and rescuers lacked proper equipment. The victim’s father alleged that the fire brigade had no divers, swimmers, or boats, leaving his son helpless as he struggled in the water.

Investigations revealed that the pit had become a water body due to mismanagement of the Hindon and Yamuna rivers and rainwater accumulation.

The road stretch itself lacked proper fencing, crash barriers, and warning signs. Traffic DCP Manisha Singh stated that no complaints had been received regarding barricades, but the absence of safety measures has now come under scrutiny.

In response to public anger, the Uttar Pradesh government removed Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M. from his post on Monday. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the incident.

The three-member SIT includes Meerut Director General Bhanu Bhaskar, PWD Chief Engineer Ajay Verma, and Divisional Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami. The team has been tasked with submitting a detailed report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath within five days.

Compiled by: Satabhisa Jena