Three Years After Tragic Delhi Pothole Death, Family's Wait for Justice Continues
In the bustling streets of northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar, a family's life was irrevocably altered on June 30, 2023. Eighteen-year-old Dhruv was anticipating his father's return home when a police phone call delivered devastating news. His father, Ajit Sharma (51), had tragically drowned after his autorickshaw plunged into a waterlogged pothole.
Construction Site Tragedy and Initial Findings
Police investigations revealed that the fatal accident occurred near an under-construction flyover where a 12-foot-deep pit had been excavated for installing iron pillars. Following heavy rainfall, the pit had filled with water, creating a dangerous trap that Sharma apparently drove into without realizing its depth.
"It seems Sharma drove into it without realizing it was deep and drowned accidentally," a police officer stated shortly after the incident.
The preliminary police probe identified several critical safety lapses that likely contributed to the tragedy:
- Improper barricading around the hazardous area
- Complete absence of warning signage
- Lack of security guards at the construction site
Jurisdictional Complexities and Official Responses
Authorities registered a case under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code for causing death by negligence. The construction work at the location was being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), which subsequently clarified that maintenance responsibility for the stretch lay with a private company working under its supervision.
In an official statement issued at the time, PWD authorities acknowledged the gravity of the situation: "At the departmental level, the PWD minister has directed that strictest possible action should be taken against officials found guilty." The department also committed to investigating any contractor negligence and taking appropriate measures.
Investigation Status and Forensic Delays
Nearly three years have elapsed since the tragic incident, yet no chargesheet has been filed in the case. A senior police officer recently disclosed that an employee of the private construction company was apprehended in connection with the accident.
"The Forensic Science Laboratory report in the case is still awaited," the officer explained. "It will help determine the exact cause of Sharma's death. That's why a chargesheet has not yet been filed."
A Family's Struggle for Survival
Sharma's untimely death left behind grieving parents, a widow, and four children who now reside in a dilapidated house in northeast Delhi's Nand Nagri. His mother, Kamla Devi, voices the family's enduring pain: "Ajit used to take care of us. After his death, our lives have fallen apart."
The family's financial stability collapsed with Sharma's passing. His wife, Meenu, was compelled to take employment at a factory to sustain the household. Their two sons, whose education was disrupted, also began working to contribute to family income.
Although the family received Rs 7.5 lakh as compensation, this amount proved insufficient for rebuilding their lives. "We had loans, which we repaid using this money," Meenu reveals. "We don't have any fund left to repair our house."
Seeking Accountability and Closure
Following her husband's death, Meenu approached multiple officials associated with the road construction project, seeking answers and accountability. "They only said 'galti ho gayi' (a mistake happened), but that one mistake has destroyed our entire family," she recounts with palpable anguish.
The case highlights broader concerns about construction site safety protocols, municipal accountability, and the judicial process's pace in addressing negligence cases. As forensic reports remain pending and official investigations continue, Sharma's family represents countless others awaiting closure and justice in similar circumstances across urban India.
