Janakpuri Biker Death: Delhi Court Seeks Status Report, Grants Interim Protection to Contractors

Judicial Magistrate First Class Harjot Singh Aujla of Dwarka Court, while hearing applications in the FIR registered over the incident, ordered the Investigating Officer and the Station House Officer to place on record a comprehensive status report of the investigation.

The court specifically sought details on the position and working condition of CCTV cameras in and around the site of the incident. The report is to be filed on February 13 at 2 pm.

In an order dated February 10, the magistrate noted that the status report must cover the investigation carried out so far, including the availability and functionality of CCTV footage near the spot where the incident occurred. The directions came as the court examined allegations of lapses in safety measures at the site and delays in reporting the accident.

On the same day, a sessions court granted interim protection to two contractors, Himanshu Gupta and Kavish Gupta, against whom arrest warrants had been issued in the case. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Harleen Singh, who was hearing their anticipatory bail applications, directed that no coercive steps be taken against them until the next date of hearing.

While granting interim relief to Himanshu Gupta, the court recorded the undertaking given by his counsel that the accused would join the investigation as required. The defence informed the court that although a notice had been issued to Himanshu to join the probe on February 9, he could not comply due to ill health. The counsel assured the court that the accused would cooperate fully and appear before the investigating officer whenever called.

Similar submissions were made on behalf of Kavish Gupta, following which the court extended identical protection to him as well. The prosecution did not oppose the request for interim protection. Taking note of the assurances, the court directed both accused to join the investigation on February 11 at 10 am and listed the matter for further proceedings on February 18.

The case arises from the death of Kamal Dhyani, a private bank employee based in Rohini, who was returning home on the intervening night of February 5–6. While riding his motorcycle, Dhyani fell into an uncovered pit dug for a sewer project by the DJB in Janakpuri, sustaining fatal injuries. He was later declared dead at the hospital.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and scrutiny over civic negligence and safety lapses at public works sites. So far, two arrests have been made in the case, and three DJB officials have been suspended pending inquiry.

Delhi Police has arrested a sub-contractor, Rajesh Prajapati, and a labourer, Yogesh, both of whom have been sent to judicial custody. According to the police, Prajapati was arrested for allegedly withholding information about the accident, which delayed police and emergency response.

Yogesh, aged 23, was arrested for allegedly failing to inform the authorities about the incident and for misleading the victim’s family when they approached him in search of Dhyani.