Image for representation/ Manual scavenging 3×2 PTI

A 19-year-old man died after he descended into the drainage system in Villupuram on Friday. This is the second such incident Tamil Nadu this week. On Tuesday, four men died when they attempted clear the septic tank  in Chennai.

Anthoniraj was working as a sweeper with the local civic body in Keezhkuppam and had been called to the Kakuppam area of the district along with two others after residents complained that water was spilling onto to street due to clogged drainage.

After Murugadoss and Gopal were unable to unclog the drain, Anthoniraj decided to descend into the sewer. He first came out with a sandbag but went in again to clean the pipeline, TNIE reported.

When Anthoniraj did not come out for a long time, Murugadoss went in. however, when Murugadoss lost consciousness higher officials were informed and rescue workers summoned.

Villupuram fire and rescue team pulled out Anthoniraj and Murugadoss. The Government Hospital in Villipuram declared Anthorij as ‘dead on arrival’ and Murugadoss was referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Mundiampakkam where he is recovering.

Eyewitnesses told TNIE that they had no security equipment including face mask and boots. However municipal officials claimed that safety equipment was provided. They said the incident was an accident and that Anthoriraj slipped and fell and Murugadoss too died when when he tried to help Anthoniraj

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