BENGALURU: Three sanitation workers suffocated to death when they were cleaning a sewer at CV Ramanagar in Bengaluru on Tuesday when they were working without any safety measures in the middle of the night. The three workers were identified as Anjaneya Reddy, (34), Yerraiah (35), and Dhavathi Naidu (40), all natives of Andra Pradesh, they were engaged by a sanitation contractor named Ramkay Enterprises. The incident occurred at around 12.30 am when the three workers went down a 15 ft shaft to unclog a blocked sewer that releases waste into the Kaggadasapura Lake, Police said. Yerraiah went first and did not emerge even after a long time, Anjaneya Reddy entered the manhole later, but when he was engulfed by toxic gases, he raised alarm and tractor driver Dhavathi Naidu (40) rushed to their rescue but it was no use. The bodies were retrieved from the sewer later. A case has been filed by Baiyappanahalli Police and the contractor was held responsible for not providing any safety kits to the workers. They are on the lookout for the owners of Ramkay Enterprises, who are currently absconding. The police have also filed a case against BBMP and BWSSB under IPC 304 (rash or negligent act resulting in culpable homicide). “The negligence of the contractor is blamed for the mishap and stringent action will be taken against BWSSB officials who are also responsible for the deaths,” said Mr. K J George, Bengaluru Urban Development Minister who visited the spot along with mayor Padmavathy. Mayor G Padmavati said it is illegal to force men to enter a manhole. “We have taken the incident seriously and will also conduct an internal enquiry to take action against the officials of BBMP,” she said. ]]>
