On Tuesday, two workers, namely Brijesh (26) and Vikram (30), allegedly died after losing consciousness while cleaning a sewage treatment plant at a private hospital in West Delhi’s Paschim Vihar. They were deployed to clean the plant and were allegedly wearing no safety gear. When the incident was reported, the two workers were cleaning the carbon filter at the sewage treatment plant at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.

The two hailed from Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, and were the sole breadwinners of their families. Vikram is survived by his wife and four children, while Brijesh is survived by his wife. Both the labourers were living in the Madipur area of the capital city.

While the cause of death is still being investigated, the family members gathered outside the hospital on Wednesday to seek justice and demand action against the accused.

A police team from Paschim Vihar East reached the hospital, where the two labourers were declared brought dead by the attending doctor.

“Initial investigation revealed that both the deceased had fallen unconscious while engaging in maintenance of a carbon filter, which was being undertaken by a contractor at the hospital,” said Sachin Sharma, DCP (Outer).

Death Being Investigated

The Crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was also called to the site for further investigation, including taking photographs and other evidence related to the bodies for the postmortem.

A man working at the hospital allegedly said that the supervisor sent Brijesh into the septic tank without any protective gear. “Earlier in the day, he came out… complaining of a severe headache, but his plea was ignored. The same evening, around 6:30 PM, Brijesh and Vikram were told to go inside the tank. This time, Brijesh refused to go inside… but was forced, and eventually, he died. Unfortunately, this time, both of them never came back,” told the worker to the national media.

Responding to the unfortunate incident, the hospital said, “An unfortunate accident took place at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. Workers of Friend Environment Enviro Engineers, who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment plant, were carrying out the servicing of activated carbon filters… Brijesh and Vikram met with the accident while carrying out their regular work of servicing active carbon filters. The staff of the hospital rescued them at the earliest, and they were given the best possible treatment. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, they couldn’t be saved. The hospital is fully cooperating with the local police authorities in their proceedings.”

Shakur Basti MLA Karnail Singh also reached the spot and said that the company in question was given a contract and the deceased were employed under it. If the responsible party is found to not be following the safety protocols, strict actions will be taken against them. For the time being, a case has been registered under relevant sections, with further investigation ongoing.