New Delhi, Aug 17: Sanitation workers and auto-tipper drivers staged a protest at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in east Delhi on Monday following the death of a 27-year-old sanitation worker who was allegedly stabbed while carrying out garbage collection duties in Kalyanpuri.The protest, involving workers from several parts of the national capital, has also led to the suspension of auto-tipper services across Delhi.
The deceased, identified as Anil Kumar, was reportedly attacked at around 8:15 am on Sunday while collecting waste in Kalyanpuri. He was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital for treatment but later died of his injuries.
Protesters said they want ₹1 crore in ex-gratia compensation for the deceased worker’s family. They are also seeking a permanent job with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for one member of his family.Another demand is action against Metro Waste, the private company that had engaged Kumar for sanitation work.
The demonstration drew around 1,000 sanitation workers and other employees, with the number expected to increase as more workers joined the protest.The deceased’s family has not taken his body from the hospital, according to protesters, who said the last rites would be conducted only after their demands are addressed.Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and identified the alleged accused.
Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.The protest has also raised concerns over the impact of the shutdown of auto-tipper services on waste collection and sanitation operations across the city.
