LAHORE: The tragic incident in Lahore’s Bhati Gate area has reached its conclusion, with the bodies of both the mother and daughter recovered from the sewer line.
The mother, Sadia, and her 10-month-old daughter, Rida Fatima (also referred to as Ridda Fatima or Reda Fatima in reports), fell into an open manhole near Bhati Chowk, close to Data Darbar. CCTV footage reviewed by authorities shows the woman exiting a shopping area with her child and then heading toward the manhole.
Rescue 1122 and WASA teams conducted an extensive search operation.
Sadia’s body was recovered after approximately six hours, while Rida Fatima’s body was found after about 17 hours of continuous efforts, with the operation extending late into the night.
The bodies had been carried some distance by the strong sewage flow, Sadia’s was located around three kilometers away on Outfall Road, and the child’s near Saggian (about five kilometers from the site).
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident and formed a high-level inquiry committee to identify those responsible, with instructions to submit a report within 24 hours.
The DG of LDA suspended the entire team working on the Data Darbar project, including the Project Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director, and Sub-Engineer.
Earlier, LDA’s Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Engineering had already been suspended due to negligence.
CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana stated that the deceased woman’s husband was questioned based on statements from her family.
The father-in-law reportedly mentioned that the couple’s relationship was not ideal.
A case has been registered on the complaint of the deceased’s father, Sajid. If the heirs wish, they can be made complainants; otherwise, the FIR will proceed on behalf of the LDA.
This incident highlights severe negligence regarding an uncovered and unsafe manhole in a busy area.
