LAHORE (Dunya News) – The preliminary investigation into the tragic death of a mother and her infant daughter in a sewer near Bhatti Chowk has been completed. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the suspension of the entire Data Darbar project team, citing gross negligence.
Sources said the fact-finding committee found that TEPA officials had provided inaccurate reports initially, delaying proper rescue operations. Following further investigation and video evidence, Rescue 1122 recovered the bodies of Saadia and her three-month-old daughter Rida Fatima from Saggian.
The investigation revealed the accident was caused by an open and unsecured manhole at the project site. TEPA has submitted a formal request to Bhatti Darwaza Police to register a case.
The contractor and responsible project staff—including the project manager, safety in-charge, and site in-charge—were named in the complaint for failing to provide barricades, warning signs, and manhole covers, creating public panic.
DG LDA suspended the entire project team, including the project director, deputy director, assistant director, and sub-engineers.
Show-cause notices were issued to the private company overseeing the project and the resident engineer from NESPAK. Authorities emphasized that accountability measures are being enforced to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and reaffirmed that negligence would not be tolerated.