‘Money, memorial offered for IIT researcher’s death in excavation’

Ahmedabad: The investigation into the tragic death of IIT Delhi researcher Surabhi Verma in an excavation accident at Lothal revealed that not only was the dig conducted without permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) but the same team carried out similar unauthorised excavations at other sites in Gujarat and other parts of the country, police officers close to the investigation said.
Top police sources stated that the assistant professor accused of causing Verma's death by negligence, Yama Dixit, mentioned in her statement to cops that the institute reportedly paid Surabhi's family Rs 43 lakh as compensation and offered to build a memorial in her name.
In Nov 2024, Surabhi Verma, a 23-year-old PhD student, was conducting research at the Lothal site in Ahmedabad district when a pit collapsed, burying her under layers of soil. Her supervisor, assistant professor Yama Dixit, who was also present, was rescued by locals and first responders.
On March 22, Koth police in Ahmedabad Rural registered a case of causing death by negligence against Dixit following a complaint by Surabhi's father, Ramkhelavan Verma, a resident of Sitapur, UP.
A senior police official in the know said, "Surabhi's father was assured that a memorial would be built in her name to honour her contributions to paleoclimatology. This offer was made by Yama Dixit and was also stated in front of the police." "Dixit mentioned in her statement to police that the victim's father demanded Rs 1.5 crore as compensation from IIT Delhi and received approximately 43 lakhs as compensation from IIT Delhi," the cop said.
Investigations also uncovered a major violation — the excavation at Lothal was carried out allegedly without mandatory approval from ASI. The IIT Delhi team entered a restricted zone and dug a pit without obtaining official clearance. "The same team that carried out unauthorised excavations at Lothal previously conducted excavations at Kaneval, in Anand district, and Pariej, in Kheda district, both in Gujarat, without permission," claimed the officer, adding: "We have also received information that the group carried out digs at multiple locations across India without obtaining the necessary approvals."
The incident has sparked serious concerns over safety and accountability in academic research projects. Following the fatal accident, Ahmedabad Rural police and district authorities have sought detailed explanations from IIT Delhi, IIT Gandhinagar, and the ASI to determine lapses, ensure accountability, and prevent future tragedies. Key questions remain unanswered, particularly about the absence of trained professionals and safety measures at the excavation site.