3 days ago
FIRs against corporator, contractor after man drowns in open drain
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Lucknow: Two FIRs have been filed against a sitting corporator and a private contractor along with his firm in connection with the death of 43-year-old painter, who died after falling into a waterlogged and broken drain in Thakurganj area, sparking massive public outrage and concerns over civic apathy.
The victim, Suresh Lodhi's wife Renu filed a complaint stating that her husband fell into a hidden, flooded drain while stepping out to buy tea on Saturday. The drain's cover was broken and submerged due to waterlogging, making it invisible. He was swept away and his body was recovered the next day near the IIM Road bypass drain.
Renu accused corporator CB Singh of gross negligence, stating that multiple complaints and warnings about the broken and dangerous drain cover were submitted to him, both in person and through the public grievance portal.
Despite repeated alerts about the potential for a fatal accident, no action was taken. "The drain was open and overflowing. We told them many times, but no repairs were done. My husband's death could have been prevented," she said in her statement.
She further alleged that even after the tragedy, municipal workers failed to assist in searching for her husband's body, leaving the rescue entirely to local citizens. The FIR against the corporator was filed under the charges of causing death by negligence based on her complaint at Thakurganj police station.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Simultaneously, a second FIR was lodged by Jhillu Ram, executive engineer of zone-6, LMC, against Ankit Kumar Ghawari, a private contractor, and his firm Anika Enterprises. According to the engineer's complaint, the firm was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the storm drains in the area. He alleged that slabs covering the drain were removed during maintenance work but were not replaced, creating a serious safety hazard.
The fatal accident, he stated, was a direct consequence of this contractual negligence.
"The accused contractor, Ankit Kumar Ghawari, is a resident of C-6/8, Niralanagar, Lucknow. His firm Anika Enterprises has been booked under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence," said DCP (west zone) Vishwajeet Srivastava.
Police said that both complaints are being investigated and further action will be taken after the collection of technical and witness evidence.
