Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered strict punishment for those responsible for negligence in the  incident in which a mother and daughter fell into a sewage line at Bhatti Chowk in the provincial capital.

According to sources, the fact-finding committee has compiled the preliminary investigation report. The TEPA (Traffic and Transportation Planning Agency) administration had initially provided an incorrect report and briefing regarding the incident. After reviewing certain videos and the husband’s statement, the operation was restarted.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered the immediate suspension of the entire team, stating that negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. She described the incident as extremely tragic and expressed her deep sorrow.

According to TEPA, once the site was handed over to the contractor, full responsibility rested with them. The open and unsafe manhole led to the accident. The application names the project manager, safety in-charge, and site in-charge as responsible.

TEPA stated that barricading, warning signs, and manhole covers were not provided. The request also highlighted that the incident caused widespread fear and panic among the public and demanded that the responsible individuals be dealt with under penal laws.

Additionally, the DG LDA has suspended the entire team working on the Data Darbar project, including the project director, deputy director, assistant director, and sub-engineer.

Earlier, the project director and deputy director had already been suspended. The private company working on the project was issued a show-cause notice, and the DG LDA also issued a show-cause notice to NESPAK’s resident engineer.

The DG LDA recommended the suspension of NESPAK’s resident engineer and suggested departmental action and an inquiry. It was also decided that the role of NESPAK’s team in the project would be included in the inquiry.

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