We will not spare the culprits of Janakpuri accident: Minister of Urban Development

New Delhi: Minister for Urban Development, Government of Delhi, Ashish Sood, Saturday conducted a joint inspection of the Janakpuri site along with senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Traffic Police, the Revenue Department (DM and SDM) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), following the tragic incident in which a young man lost his life after falling into a pit dug for Delhi Jal Board works.

The inspection was undertaken to examine the circumstances leading to the incident and to ensure that corrective and preventive measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.

After the inspection, Sood said that the incident in Janakpuri is extremely serious and a matter of grave concern.

“This is not merely an accident; it is also a question of systemic accountability. The safety of life and property of Delhi’s citizens is our highest priority, and negligence at any level will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The Minister said that a comprehensive technical and administrative investigation will be conducted to ascertain the real causes of the incident.

“Any officer, agency or contractor found directly or indirectly responsible will face strict action. In addition, a comprehensive safety audit of infrastructure works in the Janakpuri area will be undertaken to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has made it absolutely clear that there will be zero compromise on public safety in Delhi,” he added.

Sood further said that following the Chief Minister’s intervention, a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in this matter. Officers against whom prima facie negligence has been found have been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood visits Janakpuri site where many died

He informed that, taking serious note of all deficiencies found at the site, an FIR has been registered through Delhi Police against the Delhi Jal Board and the concerned contractor. Legal proceedings are underway, and action for arrest is also being initiated in the case of contractor negligence. He made it clear that if the involvement of any Delhi Jal Board official is established during the investigation, strict legal action will be taken against them as well.

The Minister said that the incident is extremely tragic and deeply distressing for all.

“While our grief cannot bring back the life lost, we will ensure that those responsible are not spared under any circumstances. The Chief Minister herself is monitoring the entire matter closely, and all actions are being taken strictly as per her directions,” he said.

Sood directed officials of PWD, DJB and MCD to ensure that wherever development and construction works are being carried out by government agencies in Janakpuri, all safety protocols are strictly followed with heightened vigilance.

He instructed that adequate traffic marshals, proper lighting at night, reflectors near barricades and other safety arrangements must be ensured. He also emphasized that written permission from the concerned local police authorities must be obtained before commencing any construction work.

“Such incidents can be prevented only if all departments work in close coordination,” he said.

Tags : Ashish Sood, Janakpuri, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, New Delhi