Two die inside petrol tank; Contractor arrested after police find negligence

New Delhi: Mystery shrouds the death of two labourers whose bodies were found inside a petrol tank in north west Delhi's Model Town area on Thursday. Delhi Police during investigation on Friday, found that the deaths were caused due to negligence. The law enforcement agency claimed that they have nabbed one person in this regard and another person is being interrogated and would be arrested soon.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West) Aslam Khan stated that they have arrested the contractor, Pawan and the other named Naresh will be arrested soon. "They did not follow the protocol to clean the tanks. The work should have been done with machines," said the DCP.

The victims identified as Rajeev (37) and Bittu (27) went into the empty tank for cleaning at around 8 pm. The tank was approximately 20 feet deep. A PCR call was received at Model Town police station around 9 pm and the caller informed the cops that two people fell inside a petrol tank near Model Town metro station.

"I was returning from somewhere when I saw people shouting about someone falling inside the tank I made the call to police," said Satya Prakash, a local resident. Police claimed that the labourers were unconscious when pulled out with the help of a fire brigade and were taken to BJRM hospital. They were declared dead on arrival.

The relatives of the deceased alleged foul play in the case. "We have seen the bodies. There are injury marks and we suspect something happened with them. There should be a fair investigation in the case," said the brother-in-law of Rajiv.

The family members claimed that Rajiv's role was to put banners and balloon in the petrol pump. The family members also protested at Lalbagh area of north west Delhi where the deceased lived with his family members. More than 100 residents and relatives blocked the road and did not allow vehicles to pass by. Later, police reached the spot to pacify the crowd.