The family of an IIT Delhi PhD scholar who died in a pit collapse during a palaeoclimatology research trip near the Lothal Harappan civilisation site in Ahmedabad, has filed an application with the Ahmedabad Rural Police, requesting the registration of an FIR against those responsible for her death.
Surabhi Verma’s father, Ram Khelawan Verma, a government school teacher in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, expressed frustration over the lack of action by the police. Speaking to a section of media, he said, “Despite filing a complaint with the Koth police station on December 8 and sharing the copy with Police Sub-Inspector PN Gohil, no action has been taken so far. When I inquired on December 14, we were told the police have a three-month timeline to act, but no statements have been recorded yet.”
Police officials acknowledged receiving a copy of the application on WhatsApp, though they claim they are yet to receive it through official channels. They said primary cognizance of the matter has been taken.
The application alleges gross negligence by a faculty member and IIT Delhi during the research trip. It states that Surabhi was accompanied by her professor from IIT Delhi and two others, including a professor and a student from IIT Gandhinagar, on the three-day trip. On November 27, during research activities, she lost her life.
The family’s letter accuses the professor and the institution of failing to implement basic safety measures. It claims the pit, dug in a prohibited Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) zone using a JCB machine sourced from a road contractor, lacked adequate precautions. The letter alleges Surabhi was sent into the pit without safety equipment such as helmets or harnesses and that no safety team was present. Furthermore, it states that neither the local administration nor the ASI were informed about the excavation.
The family has requested the police to register an FIR under relevant legal sections and take appropriate action against those responsible for what they describe as preventable negligence.
Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat told a section of media, “We are investigating the case, taking all factors into account. Certain documents from IIT Delhi are still awaited, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
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