Delhi govt orders probe into death of five labourers

NEW DELHI: Delhi's Labour Minister Gopal Rai on Monday ordered a probe into the death of five labourers following inhalation of toxic gas while cleaning a sewer tank in west Delhi's Moti Nagar, and sought a report in three days. Reacting to the death of five workers while cleaning sewer tank in DLF Green Apartments in Moti Nagar on Sunday, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Vice Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board, Dinesh Mohaniya has said that the tragic incident took place at DLF Green Apartment Complex such as private property, so it does not come under Delhi Jal Board and shows the builder's negligence. Going by the Delhi Jal Board's statement, perhaps Apartment has engaged the private contractor directly.

The Board has already issued directives for 100 per cent mechanisation of cleaning of sewers and drains in the Capital.

A statement by Delhi's Labour Ministry said the incident took place on Sunday in DLF Green Apartments in Moti Nagar. “The Labour Minister wants a fact finding enquiry conducted so as to decide further course of action against the defaulting agencies/ firms,” it added.

On Sunday, around 3 pm, the apartment staff informed the police that five labourers were trapped in a sewerage, Deputy Commissioner of Police Monika Bhardwaj had said. They were pulled out and taken to the hospital where Sarfaraz, Pankaj, Raja and Umesh were declared brought dead. Vishal, who was admitted to the RML Hospital in a critical condition, died during treatment, the officer said.