Argus Update News 12pm
Cuttack, Apr 16: A petition seeking appropriate action in the asphyxiation death of two persons in Cuttack has been filed at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
In his petition, human rights activist Akhand has alleged that the two persons died due to asphyxiation during sewerage cleaning in Cuttack city while they were illegally engaged in the work.
Mentioning that manual scavenging has been banned across the country, Akhand alleged that the law is being flouted openly in Odisha. As the two persons, who died due to asphyxiation were illegally engaged, the Government should be asked to provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next kin of each deceased, demanded Akhand.
Besides, he demanded appropriate action against concerned officials and the contractor.
Notably, two labourers died and another person turned serious due to asphyxiation in a sewage manhole in CDA area of Cuttack city yesterday. They were cleaning the manhole. Local Tehsildar Cuttack and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC)’s Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement are conducting a joint inquiry.
