Uttar Pradesh: A 32-year-old sanitation worker from the Valmiki community died while cleaning a deep drain in Tahirpur after he was allegedly forced to undertake the hazardous task to receive two months of unpaid wages.
Rahul, a contractual worker, had gone to collect his salary when he was reportedly told to first clean an 8 to 10 feet drain. Family members and witnesses allege he entered the drain without safety gear, supervision, or mechanical support. They say he was exposed to toxic gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide.
Rahul began work around 8 am. By 2 pm, he was found unresponsive inside the drain. Rescue efforts took nearly two hours. He was declared dead on arrival at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. His family said they were informed hours later by an unknown caller.
Police registered a case for death by negligence. Key legal provisions related to manual scavenging and caste-based atrocities were added later after pressure from civil groups. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The family disputes the claim of an accident. They allege coercion, unsafe conditions, and possible evidence tampering. They noted Rahul’s body was found in clean clothes, which raised suspicion.
Activists say the case reflects continued illegal manual scavenging despite legal bans. They point to gaps in enforcement and a system where contractors avoid accountability.
Rahul earned around 300 to 400 rupees a day. His family delayed his cremation until compensation assurances were made. Full payment had not been released.
Story by Ghazala Ahmad for Maktoob Media
