3 workers die while cleaning manhole in Bengaluru

Three workers, including a supervisor, attached to a Hyderabad-based company, chosen on contract by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), died allegedly due to asphyxiation after they entered a manhole for repairs in Kaggadasapura Main Road near C.V. Raman Nagar around 12.30 a.m. on Tuesday. BWSSB officials said the contractor carried out the repair work without informing them.

 ‘Not aware’

“We are shocked; there was no need for them to carry it out at night. We will file a case against the contractor and suitable compensation will be given to the victims’ families” said a senior BWSSB official. The sanitation workers’ union staged a protest demanding action against contractors and BWSSB officials. K.J. George, Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, Mayor G. Padmavathi and Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya visited the mortuary. A solatium of ₹10 lakh was announced for the families of the victims.

 ‘Families informed’

The Byappanahalli police were informed about the incident by a passer-by. The Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services personnel retrieved the bodies from the manhole about an hour later and they were taken to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital for post-mortem. “Their families have been informed,” said a police officer.

A case has been registered under Section 304 of the IPC (punishment for culpable homicide). “The FIR was registered against BWSSB and the contractor,” said a police officer.

THe Hindu