‘No protective gear’: Two labourers die while cleaning septic tank at hospital in West Delhi

While the cause of the deaths is still being probed, their family members gathered outside the hospital on Wednesday to seek justice and demanded action against the accused.

The two were cleaning the carbon filter at the sewage treatment plant at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Paschim Vihar when the incident happened, said police.

After receiving information of MLCs (medico-legal cases) being registered into the deaths, a police team from Paschim Vihar East reached the hospital where the two labourers were declared brought dead by the attending doctor.

Shiv Lal, father of Brijesh outside the hospital on Wednesday. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

“Initial investigation revealed that both the deceased had fallen unconscious while engaging in maintenance of a carbon filter, which was being undertaken by a contractor at the hospital,” Sachin Sharma, DCP (Outer), said. A case has been registered under the relevant sections, said officers, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Subsequently, the Crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were called to the site for a thorough inspection and documentation, including scene photography. The bodies were later taken for postmortem.

Both the labourers were living with their families in Madipur in the city. Vikram is survived by his wife and four children and Brijesh is survived by his wife.

A man, who claimed to be working at the hospital, alleged that the supervisor sent Brijesh into the septic tank without any protective gear. “Earlier in the day, he came out… complaining of a severe headache, but his plea was ignored. The same evening, around 6.30 pm, Brijesh and Vikram were told to go inside the tank. This time, Brijesh refused to go inside… but was forced, and eventually he did. Unfortunately, this time, both of them never came back,” the worker said.

Family members of the deceased who had gathered outside the hospital on Wednesday alleged that the authorities lied to them and told them that their bodies had been sent to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital for postmortem. They also alleged that police manhandled them. Police, however, denied the claims. The families were allowed to enter the hospital later.

Wife of Vikram outside the hospital on Wednesday. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

In a statement, the hospital said, “An unfortunate accident took place at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. Workers of Friends Enviro Engineers, who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment plant, were carrying out the servicing of activated carbon filters.”

“Brijesh and Vikram met with an accident while carrying out their regular work of servicing activated carbon filters. The staff of the hospital rescued them at the earliest and they were given the best possible treatment. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, they couldn’t be saved. The hospital is fully cooperating with the local police authorities in their proceedings,” the statement added.

The Indian Express could not get a response from the Friends Enviro Engineers on the incident despite repeated attempts.

Shakur Basti MLA Karnail Singh, who also reached the spot, said that the company in question was given a contract, and the deceased were employed under it. If the responsible parties are found to have not followed safety protocols, then action will be initiated against them, the MLA added.

(Adityavardhan Singh Dagar is an intern with the indian express)