Delhi: Days after Janakpuri biker death, another man dies after falling into open drain in Rohini

Barely a week after a biker died from falling into an uncovered 15-foot-deep pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board in West Delhi’s Janakpuri, a similar tragic incident has been reported from the Rohini area of the national capital.

According to the police, a 32-year-old man died after falling into an open drain in Rohini Sector 32, near the Mahashakti Kali Temple, on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Birju Kumar Rai, a labourer from Samastipur district in Bihar.

Police said they received a PCR call at 2:36 pm. The caller, Amir Hussain, informed them that his friend, Rai, had fallen into an open manhole.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night when Rai and his friend, Budhan Das, were returning home after consuming alcohol. Rai allegedly lost his balance and fell into the open manhole. Das, who was heavily intoxicated, was unable to inform anyone about the incident that night. After regaining his senses, he informed their friend Hussain, who then alerted the police.

“DDA, the Fire Brigade, and other concerned agencies were informed, and the police team initiated rescue operations. The victim was retrieved from the manhole with the assistance of the Fire Brigade and sent to the hospital for further legal procedures. Further investigation is underway,” the police said.

Meanwhile, local residents and social workers have alleged negligence on the part of authorities in conducting the rescue operation.

“A few passersby informed us about the incident. Some personnel from Begumpur police station were present, but the Fire Brigade had not arrived. We dialled 100 and informed them. When the Fire Brigade reached at around 7:15 pm, they claimed they had not received any information. The officials were negligent. A private ambulance was eventually called, and the body was taken away,” social worker Mahesh Kumar told ANI.

The incident comes just days after a 25-year-old biker died after falling into an uncovered 15-foot-deep pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board in Janakpuri.

Kamal Dhyani, an employee of a private bank in Rohini, was returning home on the intervening night of February 5 and 6 when he fell into the pit — dug as part of a sewer project — along with his motorcycle, sustaining fatal injuries.

In connection with the case, Delhi Police have arrested a sub-contractor, Rajesh Prajapati, and a labourer, Yogesh. Both have been sent to judicial custody. Additionally, three officials of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) have been suspended.