Delhi 2 men die after falling into septic tank at construction site

New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) Two men suffocated to death after falling into a 10-feet-deep septic tank at an under-construction house in Delhi's Qutub Vihar area, the police said on Saturday.
    The incident was reported on Friday around 2 pm from the IG Hospital, where both victims, identified as Subhash (32), a contractor, and Pradeep (22), a labourer, were declared dead, the police added.
    Preliminary enquiry revealed that the two were working on dismantling the scaffolding of an under-construction septic tank in Qutub Vihar, Phase-2, when they allegedly fell inside and succumbed to toxic fumes.
    Pradeep entered the septic tank first, which contained about two feet of water. He began to suffocate and called for help. In an attempt to save him, Subhash fell into the tank as well, police sources said.
    After some time, people began searching for the two and discovered their bodies in the septic tank.
    Sujith Jha, a resident of Indira Park, Palam Colony, allegedly hired Subhash, the police said, adding that he was a material supplier for the construction site.
    The owner of the house under construction was identified as Sangeeta, whose husband works in Dubai.
    Pradeep is survived by his father (80), who works on his farm in Bihar's Chapra, his mother (70), and two sisters, aged 25 and 22.
    He had been living with his elder sister, who is married and resides in Delhi's Mahavir Enclave. His younger sister was set to be married in December; however, the family believes that the wedding is likely to be postponed until next year due to the tragedy.
    Pradeep's brother-in-law, Chandrashekhar, told PTI how deeply the loss has affected their family.
    "He lived with us in Delhi. I received a call informing me that he had been injured in an accident. It was only when I arrived at the hospital that I saw his body, which sent me into shock."
    Chandrashekhar noted that the family depended on Pradeep's income, as his father's earnings from agriculture were limited.
    "Everyone is devastated. The family is back in Bihar, where we are preparing to take his body. Now, everything is uncertain, including his sister's wedding," Chandrashekhar said.
    "In Bihar, we have a tradition called 'tilak' during weddings, which is performed by the bride's brother. With Pradeep gone, I don't think we can hold the wedding this year," he said.
    Chandrashekhar alleged that both men died due to the fumes from the chemicals used in waterproofing the septic tank, which led to their suffocation.
    "A case under Section 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at the Chhawla Police Station," a senior police officer said.
    The local crime team was called to the site for a forensic inspection. Further investigations are underway to determine any safety lapses and establish accountability, police said.
    Earlier in June, two labourers lost their lives after inhaling toxic gas while performing maintenance work at a sewage treatment plant in a private hospital in Delhi's Paschim Vihar.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)