Noida: The investigation into the death of a software engineer whose car plunged into a deep, water-filled pit in Sector 150 has widened, with a fresh first information report (FIR) registered against builders for alleged violations of environmental and pollution laws. The new case has been filed even as a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, continues its probe, raising serious questions over negligent construction practices and the disregard for public safety norms.
Police officials said the fresh FIR has been lodged against five builders linked to Lotus Greens Construction Pvt Ltd and MZ Wiztown Planners Pvt Ltd. The complaint invokes provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities allege that the long-standing, waterlogged pit at the construction site caused environmental pollution and posed a direct threat to human life.
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The FIR comes as the SIT entered the third day of its investigation. Officials familiar with the inquiry said the team has sought detailed records from multiple departments of the Noida Authority, including the civil, projects, and traffic wings, regarding development and construction works carried out in Sector 150—particularly in the vicinity of the accident site.
Waterlogging and safety lapses
According to the FIR, police on patrol discovered a “very large and deep pit” in Sector 150 that appeared to have been excavated using heavy machinery and had remained filled with water for several years. Prolonged stagnation had turned the water muddy and polluted, the complaint noted. During rainfall, garbage was washed into the pit, worsening both water and air pollution in the surrounding area.
Investigators further found that the pit had no fencing, warning signs, or other safety measures. Leaving such a large, open, waterlogged excavation near a public road for an extended period amounted to gross negligence, police said. The FIR describes the site as a public nuisance and warns that it posed a constant risk of major accidents.
Indications of construction rule violations
The probe has also pointed to possible violations of construction management norms and environmental clearances, as active construction sites were located close to the pit. Local residents have complained that foul odours from the stagnant water made breathing difficult when winds blew toward nearby residential areas, yet no corrective action was taken.
Records indicate that the plot in question was purchased from the Noida Authority in 2014 and later changed hands in 2020. However, investigators say the earlier construction firm continues to retain a stake in the property, complicating the process of fixing responsibility for the hazardous condition.
Earlier FIR and arrests
An earlier FIR in the case was registered on January 18 based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family. That case invoked provisions relating to negligence, endangering life, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. During the course of the investigation, one director associated with a construction firm was arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Broader concerns
The SIT is required to submit its report to the state government within a stipulated timeframe. Officials and experts alike believe the case goes beyond a single tragic accident and exposes deeper flaws in urban development oversight, construction monitoring, and environmental compliance in fast-growing urban pockets.
Experts argue that stricter enforcement of safety norms, proper fencing of hazardous sites, and regular inspections could have prevented the tragedy. As the investigation continues, attention is now focused on whether accountability will be fixed across agencies and developers—and whether the case will lead to tighter monitoring mechanisms for construction projects to prevent similar incidents in the future.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
