New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has sharply condemned the Uttar Pradesh government following the tragic death of a techie from Noida, whose car plunged into a pit at a construction site, branding the incident as a clear-cut failure of the governance system.

In statements made to IANS, Chaturvedi pointed out that the government's handling of the situation revealed significant shortcomings in both governance and accountability.

"This is undeniably a clear-cut failure. While the CEO of Noida has been suspended, the District Magistrate remains in office. This indicates a systemic breakdown that culminated in a precious life being lost," she asserted.

The MP highlighted prior complaints regarding the hazardous conditions at the site and accused the government of trying to divert public dissatisfaction by announcing a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

"Numerous complaints about the perilous conditions had been made. Unfortunately, by the time the NDRF and other rescue agencies arrived, it was far too late. What can an SIT uncover now? Bureaucrats are evading their responsibilities," she alleged.

Chaturvedi criticized the government's claims of advancing Uttar Pradesh's development, asserting that the formation of an SIT is merely an attempt to mitigate public anger while still safeguarding the District Magistrate. "There is an urgent necessity for accountability and responsibility in such failures," she declared.

The Shiv Sena-UBT MP described the death as profoundly tragic, noting that the victim's father has reached out to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for a meeting to seek reassurance.

"It is heartbreaking that ordinary citizens must implore the Chief Minister for support. We express our outrage today, but what about tomorrow? Announcing an SIT often serves to pacify the public, while the safety of citizens remains compromised," she remarked.

Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging that the incident stemmed from administrative negligence.

Yuvraj Mehta, 27, employed in Gurugram, was making his way home late on January 16 when his vehicle fell into a water-filled pit near a construction site in Sector 150, having passed through a broken boundary wall in dense fog.

He tragically died after reportedly calling for help for nearly two hours while his father, Rajkumar Mehta, stood helpless alongside local police and fire department personnel.

By the time rescue operations intensified, led by the police, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force amid severe cold and thick fog, it was too late.

Rajkumar Mehta recounted that his son managed to climb on top of the partially submerged vehicle, using his mobile phone’s flashlight to signal for help.

However, inadequate rescue equipment and the treacherous conditions caused significant delays. Emergency responders hesitated to enter the water due to freezing temperatures and the potential danger posed by the construction columns.

Akhilesh Yadav remarked to the press that the focus should remain on the tragic loss of life rather than the circumstances leading up to it.

He noted that reports indicated official hesitance to enter the pit due to the dangerously cold water, asserting, "If someone has lost their life because of this, it highlights the government's negligence. Such incidents should not recur."

Meanwhile, the SIT investigation into the death has resulted in a new FIR against five builders associated with Lotus Greens Construction Pvt Ltd and MZ Wiztown Planners Pvt Ltd for alleged breaches of environmental regulations.

On Thursday, the SIT continued its inquiry for the third consecutive day, seeking comprehensive information from various Noida Authority departments regarding activities in Sector 150, particularly in the vicinity of the site where the software engineer lost his life.

The three-member SIT must submit its findings to the UP government by Saturday. The SIT head, ADG Bhanu Bhaskar, informed reporters of the timeline on the initial day of inspections.