Engineer’s body recovered from Varthur STP; search continues for another missing worker

Two workers are feared drowned after they fell into a sewage treatment plant tank in Bengaluru, according to reports from local media outlets. The incident took place at the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)-operated site near Balagere Road, where maintenance work was being carried out. The victims, both male, were working under the supervision of a team when they encountered dangerous conditions within the facility.

The tragedy unfolded on June 18 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., during routine maintenance tasks at the plant. Three workers, including two men from different states—Agilan Mohan, 30, from Tamil Nadu, and Brijesh Kumar, 27, from Bihar—entered a 40-foot-deep wet well for cleaning purposes. One worker, identified as Karthik, successfully escaped and alerted his colleagues to the danger. However, Agilan and Brijesh were unable to exit the tank and were subsequently swept away by the powerful flow of wastewater.

By the early hours of June 19, the body of Agilan Mohan was recovered from the tank after a joint effort by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services. His remains were then transported for a post-mortem examination. Despite extensive search operations, Brijesh Kumar's whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities believe his chances of survival are extremely low due to the hazardous conditions prevailing at the time.

The incident has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and adherence to established protocols. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Santosh Kumar, an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of BWSSB, against VA Tech Wabag Ltd., a private firm contracted to operate and maintain the STP. The FIR, registered on June 19, accuses the company of violating BWSSB safety guidelines and failing to implement proper safety measures. According to the report, the workers were involved in maintenance activities at the rear gate of the wet well’s coarse screen when the incident occurred. The FIR also claims that the company's actions constituted criminal negligence, which led to the loss of life.

Heavy rainfall and poor visibility have significantly hindered rescue operations, making it difficult for teams to locate Brijesh Kumar. Toxic gases present in the sewage environment have further complicated the situation, posing additional risks to rescuers. The police have issued a notice to VA Tech Wabag Ltd. and stated that investigations will continue based on the complaint. The Varthur police are currently conducting a thorough inquiry into the matter.

This incident highlights broader issues surrounding industrial safety and regulatory compliance in the public sector. The BWSSB, responsible for managing water supply and sewerage services in Bengaluru, faces mounting pressure to ensure that all contractors adhere strictly to safety standards. The case involving VA Tech Wabag Ltd. could set a precedent for future accountability in similar incidents.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on determining the exact circumstances that led to the tragic outcome. Families of the victims are awaiting further updates, while local authorities are urging greater vigilance in such high-risk environments. The ongoing search for Brijesh Kumar and the legal proceedings against the accused company are expected to take several weeks before conclusive results emerge.