Lahore, Pakistan (HRNW) — The body of a woman who fell into a sewer line near Bhati Gate has been recovered nearly three kilometers away at Outfall Road, while the search continues for her nine-month-old baby, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to rescue authorities, the family had come to Lahore for sightseeing and visited Minar-e-Pakistan before heading toward Data Darbar. The woman and her infant were reportedly sitting on the edge of an open sewer line when they both slipped and fell inside.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken serious notice of the tragic incident and ordered an inquiry led by the Additional Chief Secretary. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.
Following the Chief Minister’s orders, TEPA Director Shabbir Hussain has been suspended, along with Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmed, for negligence and dereliction of duty.
Before the woman’s body was recovered, Rescue 1122 officials had stated that it was technically unlikely for anyone to drown at the initially reported location near Bird Market, Data Darbar, noting that excavation work was ongoing and the area was poorly lit at the time of the incident. Specialized rescue and diving teams arrived within minutes of the call.
Initially, Lahore administration officials had also dismissed the possibility of an accident at the site, stating that no evidence of a fall was found during inspection.
However, the woman’s father had alleged foul play, claiming his daughter had been murdered, prompting police to detain the husband and two others for questioning. They were later released after no direct evidence was found.
The tragic case has sparked widespread public outrage over municipal negligence and the contradictory statements made by officials in the initial hours following the incident.
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