By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Following the tragic deaths of a mother, Saadia, and her three-month-old daughter Rida Fatima in an open manhole near Bhatti Chowk, Punjab authorities have suspended the entire Data Darbar project team.
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A fact-finding committee reported that TEPA officials initially provided inaccurate information, delaying proper rescue operations. Following further investigation and video evidence, Rescue 1122 recovered the bodies from Saggian. The investigation revealed that negligence by the project contractor, project manager, safety in-charge, and site in-charge—failing to provide barricades, warning signs, and manhole covers—contributed to the incident.
DG LDA suspended the project director, deputy director, assistant director, and sub-engineers. Show-cause notices were issued to the private company overseeing the project and the NESPAK resident engineer. A formal request was submitted to Bhatti Darwaza Police, resulting in FIR No. 26/26 under relevant sections of the law, officially registering the case for investigation.
The FIR, filed by local resident Sajid Hussain, details the circumstances of the incident, names the responsible individuals, and requests legal action under criminal negligence laws. Police have received and registered the report, with the investigation now underway.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized that negligence will not be tolerated. Authorities stated that strict accountability measures are being enforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
