Manual scavenging suspected in worker’s death
A 32-year-old man died and another was hospitalized after allegedly being forced to clean a sewer in the Ashraya Nagar area under the RMC Yard Police Station limits. The deceased has been identified as Putta, while Anthony, who was with him, is in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 7 PM on Sunday near the Indira Canteen in Ashraya Nagar. Both men had gone to clean a drain when Putta began feeling breathless. Locals gave him buttermilk and sent him home. Tragically, he was later found dead in his sleep by his family the next morning.
Police suspect that some local residents may have coerced the men into cleaning the drain in exchange for money, violating the law that prohibits manual scavenging. RMC Yard police visited the site and launched an investigation. As of now, no formal complaint has been lodged. DCP Babasaheb Neamgouda of the Bengaluru North Division confirmed the preliminary investigation and stated that the body had been sent for postmortem. He emphasized that manual scavenging is strictly banned, and if any violations are found, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.
Officials are urging citizens to report such illegal practices, and the police have assured that they will act swiftly upon receiving a formal complaint from the deceased’s family. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of manual scavenging and the urgent need for enforcement of related safety laws in Bengaluru.