Lahore: body of 10-month-old recovered from Outfall Road

WEB DESK: The body of a 10-month-old baby who went missing after allegedly falling into an open manhole with her mother near Bhati Gate was recovered on Thursday from a WASA disposal station on Outfall Road, rescue officials said. The infant’s body was found around 18 hours after the incident, at the same location where her mother’s body had earlier been recovered, bringing a tragic end to the rescue operation.

Rescue officials said the powerful sewage flow swept both bodies several kilometres away from the point where the woman reportedly fell into the manhole while carrying her daughter. Police said investigations were ongoing, with multiple government agencies now under scrutiny over alleged negligence.

Bodies swept away by strong sewage flow
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran told reporters that the woman’s body was first recovered from a sewerage line on Outfall Road, around three kilometres from the manhole near Bhati Gate. He said the infant’s body was later found from the same disposal station.

“The sewage flow was extremely forceful, which carried both bodies far from the site of the incident,” the DIG said, adding that senior officials from relevant departments were present at the scene on the directives of the Punjab chief minister.

High-level inquiry ordered
A formal notification issued later confirmed the formation of an inquiry committee headed by the additional chief secretary, with senior officials from the Services and General Administration Department, the Communication and Works Department, and the additional inspector general of police as members.

The committee has been tasked with completing the probe on an emergency basis and submitting its findings within 24 hours. In administrative action, the Lahore Development Authority suspended Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmad for alleged negligence, while Punjab’s Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency Director Bashir Hussain was also suspended. Authorities said contractors responsible for safety lapses could also face action.

Police examine foul play allegations
Police said the case was being investigated from all angles, including the possibility of foul play. Superintendent of Police City Bilal Ahmed confirmed that the woman’s husband was questioned after inconsistencies emerged in his initial statement.

“The information about the woman and child falling into the sewer was first provided by the husband,” a police official said, adding that CCTV footage, witness accounts and family statements were being examined. Three individuals, including the husband, were taken into custody for questioning but later released.

Meanwhile, the woman’s father has alleged that his daughter was murdered and demanded legal action against her in-laws. Police said his statement has been recorded and would be assessed as part of the investigation.

Rescue operation and safety concerns
Rescue 1122 officials said they received the emergency call at 7:32am and reached the site within four minutes. District Emergency Officer Shahid Waheed said the manhole contained around one-and-a-half feet of water and was more than 10 feet deep. Search operations were conducted at multiple points along the sewerage line, including near the Data Darbar area, until the child’s body was recovered.

The incident has reignited concerns over open manholes and unsafe sewerage infrastructure in Lahore, with pressure mounting on authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies.