Backcrime
Noida Techie Death: Yuvraj Mehta Drowns in Construction Pit; SIT Questions Officials, Builder Sent to Judicial Custody
Software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died after his car plunged into a waterlogged construction pit in Noida Sector 150. Government removed Noida Authority CEO, formed SIT probe, arrested builder Abhay Kumar, and recovered the car after three days.
Why It Matters
Highlights urban safety lapses in construction sites, delays in rescue operations, and accountability of authorities and developers amid public outrage.
Timeline
6 Events
Builder sent to 14-day judicial custody
January 21, 2026
Abhay Kumar produced in court and sent to 14-day judicial custody as SIT probe continues.
Car recovered after three days
January 20, 2026
Victim's car located and recovered around 3 PM using NDRF boats and divers after prolonged search involving police, fire department, SDRF, and NDRF.
Builder Abhay Kumar arrested
January 20, 2026
Director of Wiztown Planners Private Limited, Abhay Kumar, arrested by Knowledge Park police for criminal negligence under BNS Sections 105, 106(1), and 125.
CM Yogi orders SIT probe, removes Noida Authority CEO
January 20, 2026
UP government removed CEO Lokesh M, placed him on compulsory wait, and formed three-member SIT headed by ADG Bhanu Bhaskar to probe the death. SIT directed to submit report within 5 days. SIT visits accident site and meets Noida Authority officials.
FIR lodged against developers for negligence
January 19, 2026
FIR registered against Wishtown Planners and Lotus Greens developers for negligence including absence of safety measures. Noida Authority suspended junior engineer Naveen Kumar and issued notices to other officials.
Yuvraj Mehta's car plunges into water-filled trench
January 17, 2026
27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta's SUV plunged into a 30-foot deep water-filled pit at a commercial construction site in Sector 150 amid dense fog and poor visibility. The pit lacked barricades, reflectors, and warning signs.