Two die cleaning sewer at Rayya

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, March 19

Two men reportedly died due to asphyxiation while cleaning a sewer near a flyover at Rayya here today. The deceased have been identified as Vijay Kumar, alias Dhola (30), resident of Dubgarh Colony, Rayya, and Mukesh Kumar (35), alias Sheela, resident of Bhalipur Purba village.

The men were hired by a private contractor engaged with the Municipal Committee, Rayya. The incident occurred around 10 am. Vijay Kumar entered the manhole of the main sewerage line on GT Road.

Due to poisonous gases in the sewer, he fell unconscious. Immediately, Mukesh Kumar entered the manhole to rescue him and also met with the same fate. The other workers raised alarm and people started gathering around.

After half an hour, residents took them out of the manhole and rushed them to the Civil Hospital. Doctors declared them brought dead at the hospital. Family members and relatives of the deceased staged a protest against the contractor and Municipal Committee at the Civil Hospital. They demanded registration of a case against the contractor.

Dalbir Singh Tong, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, joined the demonstrators and demanded compensation for the family, job for the dependents and case against municipal officials and contractor.

In the late evening, the families of the deceased entered into a compromise with the contractor. The police filed proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC in the case. “We have filed the proceedings as per the complaint. The families of the victims don’t want any action against anyone,” said Amrik Singh, SHO, Beas.

 kin cry foul

• Family members and relatives of the deceased staged a protest against the contractor and Municipal Committee at the Civil Hospital. They demanded registration of a case against the contractor.
• The family alleged that the MC did not provide any safety equipment to the sewer men. The committee and contractor forced them to enter the manhole by violating Supreme Court guidelines.