Officials suspected of negligence suspended: Sood
Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Saturday said the Government has suspended the officials suspected of negligence in connection with the death of a motorcyclist who fell into a pit dug up for construction work by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in west Delhi’s Janakpuri area.
After inspecting the site, Sood said a committee was formed immediately after his visit on Friday morning.
The Delhi Government has directed Jal Board engineers to visit all ongoing construction sites and take corrective measures by Saturday evening. “Site visits are ongoing; engineers have been directed to identify shortcomings and take corrective measures by evening at all ongoing construction sites,” a senior DJB official said.
“Immediate action was taken under the guidance of the water minister, and after the chief minister’s intervention, all officials suspected of negligence have been suspended,” Sood said. The minister further added that FIRs have been registered against both the DJB and the contractor involved.
“If any DJB officials are found guilty during the inquiry, cases will be registered against them as well. Legal action is also being taken against the contractor for negligence, and arrests are being carried out as part of the ongoing police action,” he said.
Expressing grief over the loss of a young life, the minister said, “Our pain and sorrow cannot bring the man back, but I assure you that the chief minister is personally monitoring the entire case and ensuring timely updates.”
Referring to the traffic disruption in the area, Sood said that the construction work on this key road connecting Vikaspuri and adjoining areas would face delays due to the accident. “To minimise inconvenience to residents, we are taking necessary steps to ensure smooth movement of traffic on a single carriageway in both directions,” he said.
A joint inspection was conducted by officials from the Delhi Police, the municipal corporation, the Delhi Traffic Police, the DJB and the Public Works Department to expedite the restoration of the road. Sood said the DJB had issued a circular on January 26 directing all departments to ensure compliance with safety norms.
“As the urban development minister, I am also writing to the municipal corporation and other departments. After this incident, we will ensure there are no lapses or negligence is repeated,” he said.
If any DJB officials are found guilty during the inquiry, cases will be registered against them as well — Ashish Sood, Urban Development Minister
