Two Workers Die in BSNL Underground Duct in Nigdi, Mystery Deepens
– No official work order found so far; three others who were reportedly with the victims remain missing
Pimpri : The deaths of two young workers after they reportedly suffocated inside an underground BSNL duct in the Nigdi Pradhikaran area have raised several questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The fact that three workers had died at the same duct around a year ago has further raised concerns over safety arrangements and the circumstances in which the latest incident occurred.
The deceased have been identified as Manoj Baburao Shinde (26) and Amol Ashok Shinde (20), both residents of Hingoli district.
A preliminary police investigation has reportedly found that no official work order had been issued for carrying out work inside the duct. This has led investigators to question who instructed the two workers to enter the duct and what work they had been assigned.
Police also found two two-wheelers, a pickaxe and two mobile phones at the spot. More significantly, three relatives or friends who were reportedly accompanying the deceased are currently untraceable. Their mobile phones are also reportedly switched off.
Police are now searching for the three missing persons. Their statements could provide important information about what happened before the two workers entered the duct.
The exact cause of death and responsibility for the incident are yet to be established. Police are awaiting post-mortem, medical and forensic reports, which are expected to help determine the precise cause of death.
The fact that five workers have reportedly lost their lives at the same location within a year has intensified concerns over safety measures at the underground duct and prompted questions about whether proper precautions were being followed.
Police investigation underway
Prashant Dhole, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Pimpri Division, said, “Three people were with the deceased workers. They have been missing since the incident and a search is underway. They will be questioned once they are traced. It will be possible to identify who was behind the incident only after it is established who took the workers into the duct and for what purpose. Until it is clear why the workers entered the duct, it is not possible to proceed with further legal action.”
Police are continuing their investigation to establish who sent the workers into the duct, what work they were carrying out and whether required safety procedures were followed. The circumstances surrounding the deaths are expected to become clearer after the missing persons are traced and the forensic and medical reports are received.
