Pool ‘open to public’ less than 24 hours later

Premises locked, pool to be emptied soon, say police

Ten minors were found scaling the wall to enter the pool premises and about six were in and around the pool.

Less than 24 hours after two men allegedly drowned in an under-construction pool in north Delhi’s Burari, several children were found scaling the wall and taking a swim in the pool on Monday evening.

No guard

Locals complained there was no one to guard the premises and prevent people from going inside the pool.

As many as 10 minors were found scaling the wall to enter the premises and about six of them were in and around the pool.

“We know two people died here [on Monday]. We stay on the shallow side,” said a seven-year-old girl.

“Since morning, many children have scaled the wall and gone inside. Two people drowned here but there is no police officer or any other officer to make sure no other untoward incident happen,” said 55-year-old local resident Devi Lal.

Responding to allegations by the locals, a senior officer said there is no evidence on the premises and therefore it is not under their jurisdiction to guard it.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harendra Singh said he had directed the Station House Officer to get the pool emptied.

An hour after The Hindu approached the senior officer with the information, he said, “The premises has been locked by the police and the pool will be emptied soon.”

‘Running illegally’

Locals alleged that the swimming pool was running illegally for more than 15 days.