Three conservancy workers were asphyxiated to death while cleaning a manhole here on Monday.
The names of the victims were given as K. Jayakumar (28), S. Velu (28) of Kudikankuppam and S. Murugan (39) of Soriyankuppam.
Police said the workers were engaged by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) to clear a block in a manhole located near Mohini Bridge in the Thirupadiripuliyur police station limits. Velu stepped into the manhole first, followed by Murugan and Jayakumar.
As news of their death spread, irate relatives and workers from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi assembled in front of the hospital and raised slogans against the administration.
Compensation sought
A large posse of police reached the spot and held talks with the protesters. The workers demanded a compensation of ₹30 lakh each to the three families and criminal action against the contractor, who had taken up the work for the TWAD Board.
Cuddalore District Collector T.P. Rajesh has ordered an inquiry by sub-collector John Varghese.
Municipal Commissioner P. Vijayakumar said an underground drainage system had been commissioned in 33 out of the 45 wards in the Cuddalore municipality, which had started the process of issuing house connections and complaints were attended to by the officials of the board.
The Government of Tamil Nadu must take responsibility and take action against the TWAD Board officials who employed the persons as manual scavengers and provide compensation to the families of the victims, said Deepthi Sukumar of Safai Karamchari Andolan.
