Contractor held after 6-year-old drowns in pit in Greater Noida; 2 officials removed

A six-year-old boy tragically drowned in a 10-foot-deep, water-filled pit within a residential society in Greater Noida's Knowledge Park 2 late Saturday evening. The incident has led to the arrest of a 53-year-old contractor and the removal of two Greater Noida Authority officials for negligence.

The victim, a resident of Kaladham Society, was reportedly playing with a friend near his home when he fell into the pit. His friend alerted the family, but by the time the boy was rescued and taken to a hospital, doctors declared him dead. Police registered a case against the contractor under sections related to culpable homicide and endangering life.

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Contractor Manoj Jain, 53, a resident of Crossings Republik in Ghaziabad, was arrested for negligence on Sunday, and further investigation is underway.

An investigation revealed the pit was dug by the Greater Noida Authority approximately two days prior to address a water crisis in the society. Crucially, the site lacked essential safety measures, including signboards and barricading, which authorities believe contributed to the tragedy.

In response, the Greater Noida Authority stated it had filed a complaint against the contractor, blacklisted the company, and removed the water department supervisor and technical supervisor from their duties. The Authority's CEO expressed grief and directed all work circles to ensure safety protocols at construction sites. Further action is promised against senior officials if their negligence is uncovered during the ongoing investigation.

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The contractor company has been blacklisted, and water department supervisor Akash Kumar and technical supervisor Jonny Kumar have been removed from their active duties for negligence.