32-Year-Old Labourer Dies After Falling Into Uncovered Manhole In Delhi's Rohini
A 32-year-old labourer from Bihar fell into an uncovered manhole in Rohini Sector 32, body recovered next day amid criticism of delayed response and negligence.
Just days after a fatal open‑pit incident in Janakpuri, the national capital witnessed another tragic death when a 32‑year‑old labourer fell into an open sewer drain in Rohini, prompting renewed concerns about civic infrastructure safety and municipal oversight. The incident occurred late Monday night in Sector 32 near the Mahashakti Kali Temple, and the victim was recovered and declared dead the following day.
The deceased has been identified as Birju Kumar Rai, a native of Samastipur district in Bihar, who was reportedly walking with a friend after consuming alcohol when he tripped and fell into the uncovered sewer opening on vacant land under the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) jurisdiction. Police were alerted only on Tuesday afternoon when the friend realised what had happened, following which emergency services, including the Fire Brigade, were notified and a search operation commenced.
Authorities said rescue teams worked to retrieve Kumar’s body from the deep drain and subsequently shifted it to Dr B.R. Ambedkar Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An FIR has been registered against unknown persons for negligence, and police said investigations will examine whether the drain was left uncovered and what safety measures, if any, were in place.
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Local residents and civic activists expressed frustration over perceived delays in the response and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. Some witnesses alleged that the victim may have been lying in the sewer for hours before authorities were informed, underscoring persistent public safety concerns and the need for clearer accountability by civic bodies responsible for road and sewer upkeep.
The Rohini tragedy comes just four days after 25‑year‑old Kamal Dhyani died in west Delhi’s Janakpuri after falling into a nearly 15‑foot‑deep uncovered pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for sewer work — an incident that triggered investigations and charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, against contractors and officials involved in the project.
Both incidents have reignited debate over civic negligence, infrastructure safety standards, and the enforcement of protective measures such as barricades, warning signs, and proper covering of trenches and manholes. Community members and opposition leaders have called on municipal authorities to implement rigorous safety protocols to prevent further loss of life due to avoidable hazards in public spaces.
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