Delhi: Two die while cleaning sewer at Rampal's ashram
Jailed spiritual guru Rampal's devotees, 27-year-old Makhan Lal and 30-year-old Amarjeet, died while cleaning a sewer at the self-styled godman's ashram in outer Delhi's Mundka. DCP (Outer) Pankaj Singh said the men died after choking on toxic gases inside the sewer tank. Police registered a case of causing death due to negligence; others who tried to pull out the devotees were injured. Read more!
Disaster management team, fire personnel pull out the men
Another devotee, keeping a watch on Amarjeet and Makhan, said the men didn't respond to him, so he climbed into the sewer but soon came out, gasping and became unconscious. The police and fire departments were alerted; a disaster management team along with additional fire personnel reached the spot. They pulled out the two devotees who died on the way to a hospital.
Men were clearing plastic blocking the drain
Makhan, hailing from Nepal, was a cleaner at Rampal's ashram for the last 15 years while Amarjeet was from a nearby village. Following guru Rampal's arrest, devotees have been managing the ashram. Cops questioned an ashram manager why the men weren't provided safety equipment before entering the sewer. According to police, a nearby mall is also likely to face legal action.
