Noida Authority CEO M Lokesh Sacked In Techie’s Drowning Case, SIT To Submit Report In 5 Days

The Uttar Pradesh government has removed Noida Authority Chief Executive Officer M Lokesh following the death of a 27 year old tech professional who drowned after his car fell into an open, water filled pit in Sector 150.

The decision comes amid growing criticism over alleged administrative lapses and safety failures in the area, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order a high level probe into the incident.

CEO removed as SIT ordered to investigate Noida tragedy

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has constituted a three member Special Investigation Team to examine the circumstances that led to the death of Yuvraj Mehta. The SIT has been directed to submit its findings within five days.

The team will be headed by the Additional Director General of Police, Zone Meerut. The Divisional Commissioner of Meerut and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department have also been included. Officials said the panel has been asked to complete a time bound inquiry and fix accountability where required.

How the accident unfolded on a fog covered road in Sector 150

Yuvraj Mehta, a resident of Tata Eureka Park in Sector 150, was returning home from his office in Gurugram late on January 16. Dense winter fog severely reduced visibility when his Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara veered off the road and plunged into a deep excavation pit filled with water on a vacant plot.

The autopsy report later confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to ante mortem drowning, followed by cardiac arrest. Police said the road conditions, poor visibility and possible speeding are being examined as contributing factors.

Eyewitness recalls desperate pleas for help before drowning

Eyewitnesses present at the scene said Yuvraj fell into the pit due to low visibility and remained trapped despite police reaching the spot. Moninder, who tried to assist, described the ordeal in emotional terms.

"For around one hour and forty five minutes, he kept pleading for help, saying, Please save me, save me in any way possible."

Despite rescue efforts, Yuvraj could not be pulled out in time due to the depth of the water and challenging conditions.

Family alleges ignored safety warnings by Noida Authority

In a police complaint accessed by Hindustan Times, Yuvraj's father alleged that residents of Sector 150 had repeatedly requested the Noida Authority to install barricades and reflectors near the drain. According to the complaint, no preventive measures were taken despite the known risk.

Police officials confirmed that the boundary wall around the water pit was damaged at several points. However, it remains unclear how the vehicle entered the excavation area and became fully submerged.

Explaining the difficulties faced during the rescue, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Greater Noida, Hemant Upadhyay said, "We were afraid that there could be more casualties if someone entered the water to rescue him. It could have been worse for us."

The SIT report is expected to play a crucial role in determining responsibility and whether further administrative or legal action will follow.