WEB DESK: Rescue teams recovered the body of a woman who reportedly fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate in Lahore on Thursday. Efforts continued to locate her young daughter, who remains missing. Police investigations are ongoing, with multiple agencies under scrutiny following the fatal incident.
Senior police officials stated that the woman’s body was discovered several kilometres away from where she allegedly fell, highlighting concerns over unsafe infrastructure and delayed safety measures in the provincial capital. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran reported that the woman’s body was found on Outfall Road, around three kilometres from the manhole.
“The forceful sewage flow carried her far from the incident site,” the DIG said. “The search for her child is continuing at various locations along the sewer line.” He added that a high-level inquiry had been launched to determine responsibility.
Formal notification indicated the formation of an investigation committee headed by the additional chief secretary, with members including officials from relevant departments. The committee was tasked with completing its investigation within 24 hours and submitting findings.
Authorities also suspended Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmad of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) for alleged negligence. The Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency’s Director Bashir Hussain was also suspended on Chief Minister’s instructions. Authorities suggested that contractors responsible for safety lapses around the manhole may face disciplinary action.
Police investigated from all angles, including considering foul play. Superintendent of Police City Bilal Ahmed confirmed questioning the woman’s husband who initially provided information about their fall into the sewer. “CCTV footage, witness accounts and family statements were being examined,” a police official reported.
Three individuals, including the man, were detained but later released by police after inconsistencies in his initial statement surfaced. The woman’s father has approached police with allegations of murder against her in-laws, demanding legal action.
Rescue 1122 officials received an emergency call at 7:32 AM and reached the scene within four minutes. District Emergency Officer Shahid Waheed reported that the manhole contained one-and-a-half feet of water with a depth exceeding ten feet. Rescue teams used tyres and manual probing methods, searching at four different points along the sewerage line.
Wasa officials were instructed to expedite relief efforts as pressure builds over accountability for the incident.