- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Noida Techie Death News: The Grand Vitara SUV driven by 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, which skidded in dense fog and fell into a water-filled construction pit in Noida’s Sector 150, has now been recovered. The car was pulled out on Tuesday evening using a crane from the nearly 20-foot-deep pit, days after Mehta drowned following the accident while returning to his apartment.
Noida Techie Death: Key Updates
SUV recovered after several days
The grey Grand Vitara was lifted from the pit on Tuesday evening. The vehicle was partially covered with weeds, indicating that the pit had been holding stagnant water for a long time.
Severe damage suggests impact before fall
Visuals showed the bonnet open and crumpled, with the front portion badly crushed. Investigators believe the car may have hit the barrier of a drain separating the road from the pit before plunging into the water.
Possible escape attempt by victim
The sunroof of the SUV was found open. Officials said Mehta may have tried to escape either through the sunroof or the shattered windshield after the car fell into the pit.
Builder arrested, another owner absconding
Police have arrested Abhay Kumar, one of the owners of Wishtown Planners Pvt Ltd. Efforts are underway to trace the second owner, Manish Kumar, who is currently on the run.
FIR based on father’s complaint
An FIR was registered against Wishtown Planners and Lotus Greens following a complaint by Mehta’s father. Lotus Greens later claimed the project had been sold in 2019–2020 to Wishtown Planners and the Grihapravesh Group with Noida Authority approval.
Pit dug years ago, left unattended
The pit was excavated in 2021 for a mall basement but had remained filled with water since 2022 due to lack of drainage. With no fencing, it effectively became an open waterbody near a public road.
Government action after public outrage
The Uttar Pradesh government removed Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M on Monday and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the incident.
SIT given five-day deadline
A three-member SIT has been directed to submit its findings within five days, focusing on administrative negligence, construction violations and safety failures.
Road design and safety failures under scanner
The accident site has a sharp 90-degree turn with weak barricades, no crash barriers, poor lighting and no advance warning signs. Dense fog further reduced visibility on the night of the incident.
Rescue operation faces criticism
Despite a window of nearly 90 minutes, rescue teams struggled due to short ropes, cranes unable to reach the pit and lack of water-entry equipment. Police, fire services, SDRF and NDRF were deployed, but officials admitted no one entered the water fearing further casualties.