Manual scavenging: Man dies in bid to save fellow worker

Police said that victims were contract workers of Metro Water Department and were made to clear the clog in the network. The deceased has been identified as Doss (30) from Athanur village in Rasipuram Taluk, while the survivor, Ramachandran (40), is said to be out of danger. 

Police said it was Ramachandran who first opened the drainage lid and entered suffering suffocation before unconsciously falling into the hole. On seeing him, Doss is said to have jumped into drainage to save Ramachandran. 

Police said they will take further action after Doss’ wife files a complaint. Despite the prohibition of employing manual scavengers, the practice continues unabated. Metro Officials were not available for a comment.