FIR Filed in Rohini Manhole Death After Drunk Labourer Falls In
FIR Filed in Rohini Manhole Death After Drunk Labourer Falls In
Delhi police file an FIR into the Rohini manhole death of a migrant labourer who fell into an open pit; investigators point to negligence and safety gaps.
Delhi Police on Wednesday filed an FIR in connection with the death of a 32-year-old migrant labourer after falling into an open manhole in Sector 32, Rohini. The case has been registered under Sections 285 (creating danger, obstacles in public way) and 106 (death due to negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unknown persons. A PCR call was logged around 2:36 p.m. on Tuesday at Begumpur police station, and officers rushed to the spot after a caller reported a person missing.
Birju Kumar Rai, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, and his friend Budhan Das alias Suraj were reportedly returning to their jhuggi late Monday evening after consuming alcohol when Birju lost his balance and fell into the uncovered pit. Das, who was intoxicated, did not inform anyone at first and alerted others only after regaining consciousness on Tuesday afternoon, according to an officer aware of the investigation. The body was later recovered from a Delhi Development Authority land, underscoring concerns about the safety of open and uncovered manholes in the area.
The incident in Rohini comes amid ongoing scrutiny of urban safety standards and recent fatalities linked to open manholes. Authorities have signaled a tightening of safety measures, especially in areas with high footfall and informal settlements. Delhi government officials have previously announced a framework aimed at improving public safety in such spaces, including better covers, prompt repairs, and timely notifications for residents about potential hazards. The police have stated that the probe will look into how the manhole was left uncovered and whether negligence or lapses contributed to the tragedy.
Residents and labor communities have long called for swifter action to secure hazardous infrastructure in the city. In the current case, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the fall, the condition of the manhole cover, and whether any safety protocols were ignored. As the investigation unfolds, authorities emphasize the importance of accountability and concrete safety upgrades to prevent similar incidents in the future.
