Negligence kills again: Two die in open drain and waterlogged pit in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: Administrative neglect continues to claim lives in Kozhikode. On Tuesday, two men died in separate but eerily similar incidents involving unsafe infrastructure — an open drain and a water-filled pit on the National Highway.

The first tragedy unfolded at Vengeri Agriculture Wholesale Market, where Shamseer (42), a cook from Thadabattuthazham in Kallootivayal, slipped into a 2-metre-deep uncovered drain around 5:20 PM while taking shelter from rain. Eyewitnesses tried to help, but he was swept away by the current. His body was later retrieved 200m downstream through a manhole using a net. Shamseer’s funeral will take place at 2 PM today at Karapparambu Juma Masjid.

Hours later, T T Nanu (61), a former cooperative bank director, died after his scooter plunged into a water-filled pit near the Mukkali KSEB office on the highway at 11:30 PM. Despite being rushed to Mahe Government Hospital, he succumbed to injuries. His funeral is scheduled for 1 PM today.

These incidents follow the recent death of an autorickshaw driver near Kunjippilly after hitting a pothole. Locals and activists have repeatedly raised alarms over unsafe roads and drainage systems, but the lack of timely action continues to endanger lives.