Delhi Family's Quest for Justice After Tragic Park Electrocution of 9-Year-Old Son
In a heartbreaking incident that has exposed glaring safety lapses in public spaces, nine-year-old Aryaman Chaudhary lost his life to electrocution while playing cricket in a Kalkaji park in southeast Delhi on May 24 last year. The young cricket enthusiast was chasing a ball that had rolled near an open switchboard attached to an electric pole when tragedy struck, instantly transforming a playful afternoon into an unimaginable catastrophe for his family.
Eight Months of Delays and Departmental Confusion
Despite police registering a case under sections pertaining to negligence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the investigation has been marred by prolonged delays. Even eight months after the incident, the Forensic Science Laboratory report remained pending, and responses to police notices from two government departments were yet to be received. This lack of progress and clarity on accountability forced Aryaman's father, Randeep Kumar, to file a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking justice for his son.
"After months of waiting and confusion between departments, we finally moved court," Randeep Kumar told TOI. He revealed that despite attempts to seek help from political leaders, there was no response, leaving legal recourse as the only remaining option for the grieving family.
Emotional Toll and Relocation Plans
The family, which lives close to the park where the incident occurred, has found living in the area emotionally overwhelming. "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," Randeep shared.
While the family plans to move out of the area, the decision to relocate has been delayed due to the education of Randeep's elder son, who was in Class 10 at the time of the incident. "We didn't want to disrupt his studies," Randeep explained. "His board exams are scheduled for February, and once they are over, we plan to shift."
Aryaman's Passion for Cricket and Safety Concerns
Remembering his son'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." The tragedy has highlighted serious safety concerns in public parks meant for children.
As a yoga instructor, Randeep emphasized that parks designed 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 asserted.
Allegations of Apathy and Previous Incidents
Randeep also alleged widespread apathy among residents, stating that negligence extended beyond authorities. "Even before my son's death, there had been another electrocution here, but no one paid attention," he revealed, suggesting a pattern of ignored safety hazards in the area.
Conflicting Claims and Legal Proceedings
According to police, a case was registered under BNS sections 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence). The investigation has been complicated by conflicting claims between authorities. At the time of the incident, BSES claimed the electric pole belonged to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). However, an MCD official later stated that an inspection revealed the electrical panel actually belonged to BSES, creating further confusion in determining responsibility.
The case now awaits hearing in the Delhi High Court as the family continues their fight for accountability and justice, hoping their tragedy will lead to improved safety standards in public parks across the city to prevent similar incidents in the future.
