Public Outrage Erupts in Noida After Software Engineer Drowns in Open Pit; Residents Hold Candle March, Call Area a ‘Death Zone’

Noida: Widespread anger has gripped Noida following the tragic death of a young software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, who drowned after his car plunged into a water-filled pit dug for a residential basement. The incident has sparked protests, candlelight marches, and sharp criticism of the police, administration, and Noida Authority for alleged negligence.

The fatal accident occurred near the Le Grandiose turn in Sector-150, an area residents now describe as a “death zone.” According to locals, the tragedy could have been prevented had authorities acted promptly after an earlier truck accident at the same spot nearly 15 days ago.

Candle March and Residents’ Protest

On Sunday, residents of nearby housing societies, including Tata Eureka Park, gathered at the accident site and held a candle march to mourn Yuvraj’s death and demand strict action against those responsible. Protesters accused the authorities of ignoring repeated warnings about the dangerous stretch of road.

Residents alleged that there were no basic safety measures at the turn—no speed breakers, barricades, reflectors, warning signboards, or traffic signals—despite poor visibility caused by fog and the presence of a sharp 90-degree bend.

“If the police and administration had acted in time, my friend’s life could have been saved,” said Pankaj, a local resident. Another resident, Shaiky Tyagi, termed the pit a “death zone,” pointing out that it remains filled with water and unattended, even though construction work has been halted by the builder.

A Hazard Waiting to Claim Lives

Residents highlighted that the open pit lies directly after the road, with no boundary wall or protective barrier. “In foggy conditions, the 90-degree turn is almost invisible. A vehicle can go straight into the pit,” said Shweta Kakkar. Akhilesh, another resident, called the spot extremely dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

Family’s Account of the Tragic Night

Yuvraj’s father, Rajkumar Mehta, recounted that his son had spoken to him on the phone while returning from Gurugram on the night of the incident. Yuvraj had dropped two friends in Noida and even called after reaching the city. Shortly after, the family learned that his car had fallen into the pit, leading to his death by drowning.

‘Token Action’ by Authorities Alleged

Following public outrage, officials from the police and Noida Authority visited the site over the weekend. However, residents dismissed the response as mere tokenism. While debris was dumped near the pit on Saturday and temporary barricading installed on Sunday, locals complained that even the barricades lacked reflective tape, making them nearly invisible in darkness and fog.

Amit Shukla, a resident of Tata Eureka Park, accused the authorities of treating the incident casually despite its seriousness. “This is not just an accident; it is a result of systemic negligence,” he said.

The incident has reignited concerns over urban safety, unregulated construction, and accountability in fast-growing cities like Noida. Residents have warned that unless permanent safety measures are put in place and responsibility fixed, more lives could be at risk.