A 30-year-old labourer died after allegedly falling into an open sewer manhole in the Begumpur area of Rohini, Delhi. Despite a rescue operation by the police and fire department, the man could not be saved and was declared dead on Tuesday.
The incident took place near the Mahashakti Kali Temple in Sector 32 on a vacant plot. Police identified the victim as Birju Kumar, a native of Samastipur in Bihar, who was working at an under-construction building in the area.
According to officials, a PCR call was received at Begumpur police station around 2.36 pm, reporting that a man was missing and was suspected to have fallen into an open sewer. When police reached the spot, they learned that Birju had been drinking with his friend, Budhan Das, on Monday evening and was returning to his jhuggi when the incident occurred. The plot of land reportedly belongs to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
Police said Budhan Das told investigators that both men were intoxicated and walking around 7.30 pm when Birju suddenly lost his balance and fell into the uncovered manhole. Budhan Das allegedly lost consciousness due to intoxication and later realised that his friend had fallen into the drain.
The following morning, he informed another friend, Amir Hussain, who then alerted the authorities.
Officials said the manhole was about 14 feet deep and two feet wide. After the DDA and other agencies were informed, an ambulance and water extraction equipment were rushed to the site. Rescue teams launched a search operation and eventually recovered Birju from the pit in an unconscious state.
Delhi Fire Services received a call around 7.45 pm and helped pull him out. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
After the incident, DDA officials covered the open manhole to prevent further accidents. The agency had not issued any official statement till the time of publication.
