NOIDA: In a tragic incident that has sparked significant public outcry, Abhay Kumar, a builder associated with MZ Wiztown Planners, was arrested on January 20, 2026, in connection with the drowning death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta. Mehta died after his car plunged into a water-filled excavation pit at a construction site in Sector 150, Greater Noida, just days earlier, on January 17.

The unfortunate event unfolded under a dense fog, causing Mehta's vehicle to breach a low boundary and fall into the uncovered pit. Following public outrage and a complaint from Mehta’s father, Raj Kumar Mehta, authorities initiated a thorough review of road safety measures in the area. The situation raised serious questions about accountability among local developers and the responsible authorities. In response to the growing public pressure, police have also launched a search for another property owner, Manish Kumar.

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has taken immediate steps to address the road safety issues. N.G. Ravi Kumar, the CEO of GNIDA, mandated officials to conduct field surveys to fill potholes and identify accident-prone areas. Within three days, strict safety measures, including reflective signage and barricades, were ordered to be implemented at hazardous locations to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.

Public figures and citizens criticized the rescue efforts following Mehta’s drowning, notably actor Abhinav Shukla, who condemned the lack of timely emergency interventions. According to the autopsy report, Mehta's death was attributed to asphyxia due to ante-mortem drowning. In light of the incident, police registered an FIR against Kumar and his company, accusing them of culpable homicide and negligence.

In a decisive move, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the formation of a special investigation team to probe the incident further while ordering a statewide drive focused on road safety. The fallout from the incident also led to the removal of the Noida Authority’s chief executive officer, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation.