New Delhi: In a tragic sewer incident that took place in southeast Delhi’s New Friends Colony two days ago, Delhi Police has confirmed the deceased were not wearing protective gear or equipment needed for work inside the manhole. Reported Sunday evening, the incident proved fatal for 43-year-old Panth Lal Chandra from Chhattisgarh, while his brother, Ramkishan Chandra, suffered critical injuries and was admitted to the ICU. One of the third workers, Shiv Das, was rescued safely from the site.
The police say that the investigation in the first instance showed that the workers lost consciousness suddenly while cleaning the sewer. Reports also say that the men working for them were, in fact, performing duty for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). However, the Board denied its association with them and stated that the three men were not regular employees nor contractual staff in its official release.
Police officer: “A letter’s been received from the DJB but that in itself is not a conclusive factor. We are investigating the matter; any angle possible is being explored.”
The tragedy occurred after 5:45 p.m. Monday when the DJB received a PCR call, notifying the authorities that the workers allegedly engaged by them had fallen into a manhole. Police and firefighters discovered three unconscious men trapped in the sewer when they arrived at the scene. All of them were rushed to the AIIMS trauma centre, where Panth Lal Chandra was declared dead.
The statement by the DJB added that the incident site, which is close to House No. 17, was inspected on Monday morning and found that the persons were not linked with the Board. Panth’s family is mourning the loss, with his wife, Kamla Bai, Chandra, one son and four daughters, two of whom are married. The cause and responsibility behind the tragedy remain to be investigated.
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