Civic Negligence: Daily Wage Worker Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole in Delhi’s Rohini

A tragic incident has once again raised serious questions about civic negligence in the national capital. A 32-year-old daily wage laborer, Birju Kumar, originally from Samastipur, Bihar, died after falling into an open manhole in Rohini Sector 32, Begumpur, Delhi. The incident reportedly occurred late Monday night, but information about his fall surfaced only around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, after which a search and rescue operation was launched by police and fire officials. By Tuesday evening, his body was recovered. Locals allege that the manhole had been left uncovered and was temporarily sealed only after the tragedy. Residents also claim poor street lighting and multiple open drains in the area, raising concerns about repeated administrative negligence. Social workers say complaints had previously been made about open manholes and infrastructure hazards. This is the second such fatal incident in recent days. Earlier, a biker died after falling into a pit allegedly dug by the Delhi Jal Board in Janakpuri. The back-to-back deaths have sparked outrage, with citizens demanding accountability and strict action against responsible authorities.