New Delhi: A spot inspection of the flyover in northwest Delhi’s Netaji Subhash Place, from where a 27-year-old scooterist fell to his death on Sunday, has revealed that there were no protective barriers between the two carriageways — which could have prevented the fatal fall.Sourabh, 27, was returning from a New Year’s party in Rohini along with his friend, Priyanka, 30, when the incident occurred. It was reported around 4am on Sunday. Police found Priyanka lying on the flyover near the damaged scooter, while Sourabh was found beneath the flyover and was declared dead.During a spot visit, TOI found that the space between the flyover carriageways connecting Rohini and Pitampura was flanked on both sides by a short wall and iron railing, each less than three feet high. As the flyover progressed, the height difference between the flyover and the road below ranged from 12 to 15 feet. The stretch, both on the flyover and below it, was busy with cars and two-wheelers. Several broken two-wheeler parts were seen scattered on the flyover.The space between the two carriageways was about one foot wide and remained uncovered by any barriers or safety nets, making it possible for a person to fall through in the event of a high-impact collision, depending on the vehicle’s speed.Beneath the flyover were a police booth, crossings and spots where homeless people slept at night. The flyover was surrounded by several commercial establishments, including malls, cafés, office complexes and a banquet hall. The road underneath was also lined with several stalls and eateries.A senior police officer said the incident was initially suspected to be a hit-and-run case. However, Priyanka later told police the scooter slipped on its own and no collision occurred. The officer said no helmets were found at the spot and that Priyanka stated they consumed liquor.Priyanka’s mother Nirmala said her daughter, along with two acquaintances, including Sourabh, had gone to Rohini for a New Year’s party late Saturday night. On their way back, Priyanka and Sourabh were riding a scooter when the incident took place. “My daughter told me that she only remembers getting onto the flyover and doesn’t know what happened after that,” Nirmala said.Nirmala also said she was unaware of the exact time when her daughter left for the celebration as the family was sleeping. It was only around 5am on Sunday that she received a phone call from police informing her about the incident.Sourabh and Priyanka were neighbours and lived in Chuna Bhatti, Kirti Nagar, in west Delhi.“Sourabh helped his father run their clothes shop, which was operated from their home. Priyanka is employed in the banking sector,” Nirmala said.The third person who accompanied them to the party, added Nirmala, stayed in a hotel as it was late and was not involved in the return journey.
