Delhi Police Investigate Alleged Cover-Up in Janakpuri Pit Death Case
Police in New Delhi are intensifying their investigation into the tragic death of Kamal Dhyani, who fell into a pit in Janakpuri, with a focus on determining whether contractors attempted to conceal safety lapses. Sources reveal that Yogesh, a laborer arrested in connection with the incident, confessed to authorities that he was instructed by sub-contractor Rajesh Kumar Prajapati to alter the accident scene.
Arrests and Allegations of Tampering
Both Yogesh and Prajapati have been taken into custody. A senior police officer disclosed that Prajapati allegedly directed Yogesh to install green sheets and strategically position barricades to create the false impression that all necessary safety protocols were properly implemented at the site.
Investigators suspect that a conference call occurred shortly after the accident, involving Prajapati, contractor Himanshu Gupta, and Gupta's manager. During this call, the incident was reportedly discussed but deliberately not reported to the police. The officer stated, "We will question the manager" as part of the ongoing probe.
Eyewitness Account and Timeline of Events
An eyewitness, Vipin Singh, reported seeing a motorcycle fall into the pit on Friday night and immediately informed a security guard at a nearby residential complex. The guard then alerted Yogesh, who arrived at the scene to find the bike's headlight still illuminated.
Yogesh contacted his superior, Rajesh Prajapati, at 12:22 am. Prajapati reached the location within 15-20 minutes from his home in Tri Nagar. The inquiry has established that the pit was excavated on the afternoon of January 5, just a few hours before the fatal accident took place.
Family's Grievances and Legal Actions
Dhyani's family has expressed frustration, alleging that those arrested are merely "small players" and that the individuals truly responsible have yet to be held accountable. They noted that when they visited the site, Yogesh failed to disclose any details about the incident, despite being aware of what had transpired.
On Monday, non-bailable warrants were issued against contractors Himanshu Gupta and his brother Kavish, but they did not appear for questioning. Police teams are currently conducting raids in Uttar Pradesh and other states to locate them.
Current Status of the Investigation
While Prajapati's police custody has been extended by one day, Yogesh has been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities received the post-mortem report on Monday evening, with the family confirming that the cause of death was asphyxia. The investigation continues as police work to uncover the full extent of the alleged cover-up and ensure justice is served.
