MCD approved construction of sewage plant where five died: DJB

Delhi Jal Board Vice Chairman Dinesh Mohania Tuesday accused the BJP-led MCD of approving the construction of a sewage treatment plant where five people died after inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning the septic tank.

The incident happened on Sunday at DLF Green Apartments in west Delhi's Moti Nagar area.

The victims - Sarfaraz, Pankaj, Raja and Umesh and Vishal - were aged between 22 and 30 years. Two of them died on the spot; others were declared dead by doctors at a hospital.

Police said they have found that the labourers were not provided adequate safety gear and were only given masks.

"I want to clear that neither the sewer line in Capital Green is of Delhi Jal Board, nor is the STP, both are owned by DLF. DLF only holds the responsibility of its maintenance. The permission for the construction of this STP was given by Municipal Corporation of Delhi," Mohania said in a statement.

On Monday, the Delhi government ordered a probe into the incident. Labour Minister Gopal Rai has directed the labour commissioner to submit a probe report within three days.

Ajay Chaudhary, an engineer with JLL company - tasked with the maintenance of the septic tank - was arrested Monday for negligence.