Yogi Adityanath Orders SIT Probe Into Noida Techie Yuvraj Mehta’s Death, Removes Noida Authority CEO

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, who died after his car plunged into a deep, water-filled pit in Noida’s Sector 150. The incident has triggered a sweeping administrative crackdown, exposing serious lapses in civic safety and accountability.

The tragedy occurred when Mehta’s car fell into a nearly 30-foot-deep pit dug for an under-construction mall project. The pit, filled with water and left unguarded, reportedly had no warning signs, barricades, reflectors, or lighting. Mehta remained trapped inside his vehicle for nearly four hours before rescue efforts could retrieve him. The post-mortem report confirmed that he died due to suffocation and cardiac failure.

Taking serious cognisance of the incident, the Chief Minister directed the formation of a three-member SIT to investigate the circumstances leading to the death and fix responsibility at all levels. The SIT has been tasked with examining administrative negligence, contractor accountability, and lapses by local authorities that allowed such a hazardous site to remain unsecured.

In a swift action following preliminary findings, the state government removed Lokesh M, the Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority. A junior engineer posted in the concerned division has also been dismissed from service for dereliction of duty.

Additionally, FIRs have been ordered against two private mall developers involved in the project for criminal negligence. Officials stated that the developers failed to comply with basic safety norms despite repeated guidelines mandating barricading and signage at excavation sites.

The Chief Minister’s Office stated that the SIT would submit a time-bound report and ensure strict action against all those found responsible. Authorities have been instructed to audit all ongoing construction sites across Noida and Greater Noida to prevent similar incidents.

The case has once again brought attention to recurring issues of civic apathy and infrastructure negligence in rapidly urbanising regions. Residents of Sector 150 and surrounding areas have alleged that several open pits and construction zones remain poorly marked, posing daily risks to commuters, especially during night hours and low visibility conditions.

Public outrage intensified after eyewitness accounts and family allegations suggested that emergency response teams were delayed and ill-equipped. The victim’s family has demanded strict punishment for officials and builders, stating that the death was entirely preventable.

Government officials have reiterated that safety compliance at construction sites will no longer be treated as a formality. The administration has warned of zero tolerance toward negligence, especially in cases involving public safety.

As the SIT begins its probe, the death of Yuvraj Mehta has become a stark reminder of the human cost of regulatory failure. The outcome of the investigation is expected to set a precedent for accountability in urban development projects across Uttar Pradesh.