Sood meets kin of Janakpuri accident victim, offers help
NEW DELHI, Feb 8: Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood met the family of the Janakpuri accident victim on Sunday, offering condolences and assuring them of full government support and strict action against those responsible. The victim, Kamal Dhyani, a private bank employee from Rohini, fell into a pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for sewer pipeline restoration while returning home on the night between Thursday and Friday. Sood described the incident as deeply distressing and said the Delhi government stands with the family during this difficult time. He confirmed that a detailed investigation has been ordered to examine all aspects of the accident. “If negligence or dereliction of duty is established at any level, stringent action will be taken,” he stated. Emphasising public safety as a top priority, Sood said the government has issued instructions to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and prevent such incidents in the future. He added that lessons will be drawn from this tragedy, and systemic measures will be introduced to ensure citizen safety. (PTI)
Two labourers killed after scaffolding collapses
Noida, Feb 8: Two labourers were killed and another was injured after a scaffolding collapsed at the site of an under-construction building in Sector 144 here on Sunday, police said. The incident occurred within the limits of the Sector 142 police station when labourers were working at the site. The collapse of the scaffolding caused three workers to fall and sustain serious injuries. “They were rushed to a hospital, where two were declared dead by doctors, while one is undergoing treatment,” ACP (Central Noida) Rajeev Kumar Gupta told PTI. The deceased were identified as Mantu Singh (45), a resident of Bihar, and Shibu (24), a resident of Jharkhand. The injured labourer, Mithun (32), also a resident of Bihar, is being treated at the hospital, police said. The contractor and the site supervisor have been detained for questioning, they added. “The situation is under control. Further necessary legal action is being taken,” Gupta said, adding that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem. Further investigation is underway, police said. (PTI)
SC to hear plea against Sonam Wangchuk’s detention today
NEW DELHI, Feb 8: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on February 9 a plea by Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo challenging the preventive detention of her husband, Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk has been in custody since September 26, 2025, following a speech on September 24 that allegedly triggered violent protests in Leh, resulting in four deaths and 161 injuries. Dr. Angmo contends that his detention is “illegal” and an “arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights.” During earlier hearings, the Court noted Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and suggested the government reconsider the detention. While the government defended it as preventive, the Court indicated that any legal deficiencies in the initial detention could invalidate all subsequent extensions. (PTI)
