Delhi Police have registered an FIR after a traffic signal pole collapsed onto an autorickshaw and a scooter near Minto Road in Connaught Place, injuring two people and prompting questions about the maintenance of roadside infrastructure.
The pole fell around 9 pm on Tuesday near a mosque in K-Block on the Outer Circle, according to the complaint filed by autorickshaw driver Budhpal. He told police that he had stopped at a red light near the Minto Road bridge while carrying a passenger from Hanuman Mandir to Kake Da Dhaba when the structure came down on his vehicle and a scooter. Both vehicles were pinned under the pole.
The passenger in the autorickshaw, a 12-year-old boy, suffered injuries to his hand and shoulder. Scooter rider Sunil Gilani, 73, was admitted to a private hospital with pain in his right forearm and lower back, as well as difficulty walking. Doctors described his injuries as grievous, and his family told The Times of India that he had suffered multiple fractures and was undergoing surgery. Budhpal suffered injuries to his arms and spine, and said the autorickshaw was destroyed.
The FIR was registered at Connaught Place police station against unknown persons under Sections 125(a) and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The provisions concern rash or negligent acts that endanger life or personal safety. Traffic police officials also visited the site and began an inquiry.
An inspection found rust around the base of the pole and visible signs of wear. Police suspect seepage may have contributed to the collapse. The pole had been installed in 2010. Sources cited in the report said the agency responsible for maintaining it had been alerted about the need for repairs around five days before the incident.
The condition of the pole also raised questions about whether recent painting had concealed deterioration underneath. Several other signal poles in Connaught Place were reportedly painted, while concerns remained about the condition of their bases. Shiva Chauhan, who works at a nearby kulfi shop, told The Times of India that structures were being painted instead of replaced after rusting during the monsoon.
Traffic police sources said routine letters were sent to the agencies responsible for signal maintenance and that monthly reports were collected. Tender documents also assign repair responsibilities to the maintenance agency, according to a source. A show-cause notice is likely to be issued to that agency.
On Wednesday, five Municipal Corporation of Delhi workers cut the fallen pole into pieces and transported it to a police station. The wires connected to the traffic signal were removed, and traffic was diverted during the operation. The police inquiry and the proposed show-cause notice will determine responsibility for the collapse and examine whether earlier maintenance warnings were acted upon.
