Mumbai- In a tragic incident that shook Malad West’s Malwani area, two sanitation workers lost their lives while another remains critically injured after falling into a 15-foot-deep sewer drain attached to a public toilet. The incident, which occurred near Malwani’s gate no. 8 in Ambujwadi area, was reported on Thursday evening.

According to preliminary information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the three victims fell into the chamber of a sewer drain belonging to a public toilet maintained by a private contractor.

Civic officials said the toilet was constructed in 2018 and was handed over to a local agency for maintainence.

Despite the prompt efforts of local residents who rushed to their aid, aided by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, tragedy struck before the victims could be rescued.

The victims, identified as Suraj Kevat (18) and Bikas Kevat (20), were declared brought dead upon arrival at the civic hospital in Kandivali. Another victim, Ramlagan Kevat (45), remains in critical condition as per the latest update from the civic disaster cell.

A day following the devastating loss, the BMC conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Their report revealed that the victims had entered the septic tank attached to the community toilet for manual cleaning, a blatant violation of India’s manual scavenging Act passed in 2013.

According to Manual Scavenging Act, no person or agency can engage or employ any person for manual scavenging. Any person or agency who engages any person for manual scavenging in violation of provisions of the MS Act, 2013 is punishable under Section 8 of the Act.

In accordance with the Act, the BMC has initiated legal action against the private agencies responsible for the maintenance of the toilet. A show cause notice has been issued, highlighting the grave negligence leading to the tragic loss of lives.

The investigation report further elucidated that toxic gases present within the septic tank caused the victims to suffocate, rendering them unconscious. It was discovered that the lid of the tank was left open, indicating that the victims had entered for cleaning purposes. Additionally, a thick nylon rope was found adjacent to the chamber, likely used by the victims for entry into the tank.

Kiran Dighavkar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, informed that the Malvani police station has been apprised of the show cause notice issued to the responsible agency. He emphasized that the BMC awaits their response, but if found unsatisfactory, further legal action may be pursued, including lodging an official complaint with the police department.