Septic Tank Tragedy Highlights Safety Negligence in Delhi

''For a mere Rs 100 to 200, he died,'' said Chandrapal, the grieving son-in-law of 55-year-old Vinod, who lost his life after allegedly inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a septic tank in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar area.

Vinod, a daily wage labourer from Noida's Sector-16, had taken up the work to earn a small amount when the tragedy struck on Sunday. Another worker, 34-year-old Dharmender, remains critical in the hospital, police said.

Recalling the incident, Chandrapal told PTI that Vinod survived on odd jobs that fetched him barely Rs 100 to Rs 200 a day.

''He was called by contractor Anil to fix the clogged sewer line of Deepak's house,'' Chandrapal said.

Vinod is survived by his wife, who was financially dependent on him, and their three married children - two sons and a daughter.

''He worked wherever he could just to run the household. For such a small amount of money, he lost his life,'' Chandrapal said.

According to the police, the two workers were allegedly sent around eight feet deep into the septic tank without any safety equipment, oxygen support or protective gear.

The house owner, identified as Deepak, had hired contractor Anil for cleaning the septic tank. The contractor in turn engaged Vinod and Dharmender for the work, the police said.

Within minutes of entering the tank, both workers allegedly inhaled poisonous gases and lost consciousness. The contractor and locals later pulled them out using ropes and hooks before rushing them to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. Vinod was declared dead on arrival, while Dharmender continues to battle for his life.

The police said both Anil and Deepak have been arrested in connection with the case.

A case has been registered under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Manual Scavenging Act.

Preliminary investigation has revealed serious negligence, with the workers allegedly being made to enter the septic tank without mandatory safety measures, the police said, adding that further investigation is underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)