A 30-year-old labourer lost his life after allegedly falling into an open sewer manhole in the Begumpur area of Rohini, raising fresh concerns over public safety and unattended civic hazards.
The incident occurred near the Mahashakti Kali Temple in Sector 32 on a vacant plot reportedly owned by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Despite a rescue operation by police and fire personnel, the man could not be saved.
Victim identified as migrant worker
Police identified the deceased as Birju Kumar, a native of Samastipur district in Bihar. He was employed as a labourer at an under-construction building in the locality.
According to officials, a PCR call was received at Begumpur police station around 2.36 pm on Tuesday reporting that a man was suspected to have fallen into an open sewer.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Birju and his friend, Budhan Das, had allegedly consumed alcohol on Monday evening and were walking back to their jhuggi around 7.30 pm when the incident occurred. Birju reportedly lost his balance and fell into the uncovered manhole.
14-foot-deep manhole
Police said the manhole was approximately 14 feet deep and about two feet in diameter. His friend, who was also reportedly in an inebriated condition, realised what had happened only later and informed another acquaintance the following morning, after which authorities were alerted.
The Delhi Fire Services received a call around 7.45 pm and launched a search operation using water extraction equipment. Birju was pulled out in an unconscious state and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Following the tragedy, DDA officials covered the open manhole to prevent further accidents. No official statement had been issued by the agency at the time of reporting.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by unattended open drains and the urgent need for improved civic oversight.