Two sanitary workers die while cleaning manhole in Sargodha

By Suzanna Joseph
According to rescue team sources on Sunday, October 3, 2021 three sanitary workers drowned. While clearing manhole in Sargodha, Punjab. Of the three, two are reported dead while one has been hospitalized under critical condition.

Furious bereaved families of Faisal Daniyal and Nadeem Dema along with municipality staff took to the streets at Nori Gate and Chung 9. Placing dead bodies on the road, lighting up tires and protesting loudly. Resulting in a massive traffic block. Christian Technical and Traning Center, Gujranwala

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar took immediate action summoning a report from Commissioner Sargodha Division and comforted the bereaved families.

Dr. Farah Masood, Commissioner Sargodha, immediately formed an investigation committee of four. The members have been developing a report from last three days. It includes an account of Farooq Rashid, Amjad Pervaiz and Rana Rashid Mahmood’s negligence followed by their suspension.

Police station satellite town has filed an FIR for plaintiff Faisal Masih under Article 322 Section (1), against the 3 supervisors. Stating that the workers were forced to continue work on weekends. Moreover, there is absence of personal protective equipment and cylinder kit. Which is the root cause of such fatal accidents.

The Article 322 Section (1) includes:
Preventing an Official from discharging duties
“Whoever by force or threat of force prevents an official in discharge of duty undertaken within his competencies or force such person to undertake an official action, shall be punished by imprisonment from three months to three years.”