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This is an archive article published on June 29, 2024

NHRC issues notice to UP Chief Secretary, DGP over death of 3 maintenance workers inside sewage treatment plant

The notice was issued after three maintenance workers Mohit, 22, Hargovind, 26, and Ankit, 21, died by drowning after falling into a septic tank of the STP at the multinational company NIIT Coforge on Monday.

Noida sewage treatment plant maintenance workers deathAshok Kumar, additional deputy commissioner of Police, Greater Noida said the investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death. (Express photo)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Director General Of Police, seeking a detailed report within a week on the death of the three maintenance workers inside a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Greater Noida.

The notice was issued after three maintenance workers Mohit, 22, Hargovind, 26, and Ankit, 21, died by drowning after falling into a septic tank of the STP at the multinational company NIIT Coforge on Monday.

“It should include the status of the FIR registered in the matter, action taken against the responsible persons as well as relief and rehabilitation provided to the next of kin of the deceased workers by the employer and the authorities concerned,” the commission said.

Ashok Kumar, additional deputy commissioner of Police, Greater Noida said the investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death.

Rahul Kumar, the complainant and Mohit’s brother said that the officials have not received the autopsy report. “The officials told me that the investigation is underway and they are waiting for the autopsy report,” he said.

“The company yesterday provided me with a cheque amounting to Rs 12,50,000 and offered me a job. They also offered a pension of Rs 15,000 to either of my parents,” Rahul said.

Anuj Kumar, station house officer, Ecotech-1 police station said, “In our initial investigation, we found that the deceased were pump operators at the site and not safai karamcharis. The allegation of safety gears not being provided are being investigated.”

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The commission in its notice also said that the incident raises serious concerns on human rights violation and that the authorities have failed to be alert and conduct proper supervision on such hazardous activities.

“The Commission has been consistently advocating a total ban on activities of hazardous cleaning without adequate and proper protective/ safety gears or equipment and also has advocated suitable use of work friendly and technology based robotic machines, besides fixing responsibility and accountability of the concerned authorities in case, death is caused to any sanitary worker while undertaking hazardous cleaning work,” NHRC statement said.

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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