Negligence Case Filed After Labourer Dies in Open Sewer Manhole in Delhi's Rohini
A tragic incident in Delhi's Rohini area has led to the registration of a case of causing death due to negligence after a 30-year-old construction labourer died after allegedly falling into an open sewer manhole. The victim, identified as Birju Kumar from Bihar, lost his life in the Begumpur locality on Monday, with his body recovered nearly 24 hours later by a joint team of police and the fire department.
Details of the Incident and Police Action
According to police officials, the case has been filed under sections 106, which pertains to death due to negligence, and 285, related to danger or obstruction in a public way. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the manhole was located on a poorly lit stretch and was left open without any reflective warning sign, cover, or barricading. This has raised serious questions about the safety measures at the plot, which belongs to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The incident occurred just a few days after another similar tragedy where a 25-year-old youth died after falling into an open DJB pit in Janakpuri, underscoring a pattern of negligence in public safety. Police have recorded statements from witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter.
Victim's Background and Family Struggles
Birju Kumar, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident, is survived by his wife Suchita and their three young children: six-year-old Aayush, four-year-old Aryan, and two-year-old Arohi. The family, residing in a village in Bihar, relied heavily on Kumar's earnings for their livelihood. Suchita supplemented the household income through daily-wage work, earning approximately Rs 150 per day, while Kumar's income not only supported the family but also funded the treatment of his mother, who suffers from mental health issues.
Kapil Rai, the victim's cousin, shared poignant details about Kumar's life. He recounted that Kumar's father passed away when he was just six months old, forcing him to take up small jobs from a young age to support his mother, whose mental health deteriorated after losing her husband. About a decade ago, Kumar moved to Delhi in search of better-paid work, earning around Rs 500 per day and regularly sending his savings back to the village.
Rai added that the couple prioritized their children's education, spending the majority of their earnings on schooling to secure a better future for them. The family's financial stability has now been shattered by this tragic event.
Recovery Efforts and Community Response
Kapil Rai was at a construction site in Haryana's Sohna when Suchita contacted him after being unable to reach her husband for some time. He immediately began inquiring with acquaintances in Begumpur and later traveled to the location. Upon arrival, local construction workers attempted to check the manhole using a metal rod but found nothing initially. Police were subsequently informed, and the body was discovered on Tuesday, highlighting the delayed response and inadequate safety protocols in the area.
This incident has sparked concerns about urban safety and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such avoidable deaths in the future.
