3 workers die whilecleaning septic tank

Jaipur: Three workers suffocated to death Thursday while cleaning a septic tank at a woollen garments unit in Bikaner. The tragedy unfolded at around 10am in Bhavani Woollen Mills in Karni industrial area before Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally around 50km away in the district later in the day.

The men lost consciousness one after another after entering the tank to check when their colleagues who went in before did not respond for long. None had any safety gear when they entered the tank. They were declared dead at PBM Hospital.

According to a police officer, the tank collects wastewater from chemical processes used to clean wool threads, fuelling suspicion that accumulated toxic gases had proved fatal for Sagar (32), Anil (30), and Ganesh Karni (28).

All were locals. "The trio was pulled out and taken to hospital, where the doctors pronounced them dead," said the officer.

Workers cleaning such tanks are required to wear protective equipment, including oxygen masks and safety harnesses, but these basic precautions were not followed.

"Family members of the victims gathered at the hospital and staged a protest, but we have assured them of a fair investigation and strict action if any negligence is found on the part of the factory owner," said the officer, adding that an FIR has not been registered yet.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra termed the deaths "institutional murder" and sought PM Modi's intervention while demanding an investigation.

"Prime Minister ji, this is not an accident, but institutional murder. It was expected that you would say a few words of condolence to the families of the deceased workers, but neither did you express condolences nor did the state BJP govt take responsibility for it. No safety kit, no training, no empathy... are the lives of workers so cheap?" Dotasra asked, demanding compensation for the three families.

State opposition leader Tikaram Jully of Congress echoed the views. "The PM was delivering a speech in Bikaner but did not hear the cries of these tragic deaths in the same city. Sad," Jully said.