post news network
Bhubaneswar, August 25: A 75-year-old woman who fell into a 15-foot deep, uncovered manhole in Old Town late Thursday was rescued by fire service officials Friday.
According to sources, the woman, Dukhi Sethy, slipped and fell into the manhole late Thursday and had to spend the entire night, more than 10 hours, there as her screams for help went unheard. She was rescued after residents of the area finally heard her cries in the morning and informed the police.
According to fire brigade officer Ramesh Majhi who was part of the rescue team, the force was informed of the incident about 7.20am. “We rushed to the spot with our team and rescued her. She had sustained injuries to her head,” Majhi said.
The incident indicated the neglect of civic authorities who had claimed to have completed their monsoon preparatory meetings and spot visits. BMC officials remained tight-lipped about the issue. “I cannot comment on the issue now. But, I will enquire about it. Manholes come under Orissa Water Supply and Sewerage Board,” a top BMC official said.
After being rescued, the woman was taken to Capital Hospital and was discharged later. Meanwhile, human rights activists have demanded strict action against those responsible for the criminal neglect.
“Fortunately, the woman was rescued alive. But, this is a clear case of official negligence. The government or the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) must enquire about this issue and should taken action against the concerned officer,” said Manoj Jena, a core member of National Human Rights Commission.
