The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the death of 27-year-old software professional Yuvraj Mehta, who died after his car plunged into a waterlogged trench at a commercial site near Sector 150 in Greater Noida. The tribunal observed that the incident points to serious environmental violations and grave lapses in regulatory oversight.
Referring to media reports, the NGT noted that the land where the accident occurred was originally earmarked for a private mall but had gradually turned into a pond due to unchecked rainwater accumulation and the inflow of wastewater from nearby residential societies. The tribunal said the change in land use raises critical concerns over violations, environmental damage and the failure of authorities to address unsafe conditions.
Meanwhile, police registered an additional FIR under the Environment (Protection) Act, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 290, which deals with negligent conduct relating to buildings or structures. The FIR names five plot shareholders, including MZ Wiztown promoter Abhay Kumar.
In another development, Knowledge Park police arrested two more accused — Ravi Bansal and Sachin Karanwal — under Sections 105, 125 and 61(2) of the BNS. With these arrests, five builders have now been booked. Abhay Kumar, linked to Wish Town, was arrested earlier and remains in judicial custody.
Local residents have alleged that repeated warnings about the hazardous condition of the site were ignored by both authorities and developers. Barricading was reportedly carried out only after protests and a candlelight march seeking justice for Mehta.
Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun recording statements of officials, developers and eyewitnesses. The SIT is examining the role of civic bodies, road safety measures and compliance with construction and environmental norms. Sources said it is also probing the functioning of Knowledge Park Police and factors that delayed rescue efforts, ultimately leading to Mehta’s death.
The case relates to the night of January 16–17, 2026, when Mehta drowned after his vehicle fell into accumulated water at a construction site. Police have alleged negligence by the builder and associates of Lotus Green Company, following which an FIR was registered at the Knowledge Park Police Station.
