Kozhikode: PWD's negligence' led to death

KOZHIKODE: The investigation into the incidents that led to the death of a person at West Mankavu on June 25 after he fell into an uncovered drainage points to the negligence by the Public Works Department. Though the officials said that they were waiting for the government direction to cover the drainage, sources said that the department had not even submitted any proposal to the government regarding this.

Though the Kerala Human Rights Commission had sought a report from the district collector, corporation secretary and PWD executive engineer, they have not received any reply so far, stated the commission. The issue has exposed  the loopholes in carrying out emergency works, especially open drainages,  throughout the state that have become death traps for  the pedestrians as well as drivers.

According to sources, nearly six officials might face  charges for criminal negligence. Meanwhile,  the family of Manakkulangara Saseendran, 58, who was found dead on June 27, is struggling to live and pay even rent. Saseendran’s wife Rathnakumari and daughter Aswini are living in a rented house at  Kuzhippalli, Pantheerankavu.  Rathnakumari said that they did not get any relief from the government after  the tragic incident.

“We lost our house in Palazhi almost 11 years ago, when my husband gave the title deed to one of his friends to pledge. He was too helpful to others that when he did not have money to offer, he gave the title deed instead. The friend could not return the money and we lost the house. Now we do not know where to move to,” she said.