Woman’s body recovered from Lahore sewer, hunt for missing child intensifies

WEB DESK: Rescue teams on Thursday recovered the body of a woman who allegedly fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate in Lahore, while efforts continued to locate her young daughter, who remains missing. Police said the investigation is ongoing, with multiple agencies now under scrutiny following the fatal incident.

According to senior police officials, the woman’s body was found several kilometres away from the site, underscoring concerns over unsafe infrastructure and delayed safety measures in the provincial capital.

Body found kilometres away

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran told reporters in the early hours of Thursday that the woman’s body was recovered from a sewerage line on Outfall Road, around three kilometres from the manhole where she reportedly fell.

“The sewage flow was extremely forceful, which carried the body far from the point of the incident,” the DIG said, adding that the search for the child was continuing at multiple locations along the sewer line.

He said heads of all relevant departments were present at the site on the directions of the Punjab chief minister, while a high-level inquiry had been launched to determine responsibility.

High-level probe ordered

A formal notification issued later in the day confirmed the formation of an inquiry committee headed by the additional chief secretary. Other members include senior officials from the Services and General Administration Department, the Communication and Works Department, and the additional inspector general of police.

The committee has been directed to complete its investigation on an emergency basis and submit its findings within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) suspended Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmad for alleged negligence. Separately, Punjab’s Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (Tepa) Director Bashir Hussain was also suspended on the chief minister’s instructions.

Authorities have indicated that contractors responsible for safety lapses around the manhole may also face disciplinary action.

Police question husband, examine foul play claims

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 police found inconsistencies 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 on suspicion but were later released, police said.

However, the woman’s father has approached police with allegations that his daughter was murdered, demanding legal action against her in-laws. Police said his statement has been recorded and would be assessed as part of the broader investigation.

Rescue operation continues at multiple points

Rescue 1122 officials said they received the emergency call at 7:32am and reached the scene within four minutes. District Emergency Officer Shahid Waheed said the manhole contained around one-and-a-half feet of water, with a depth exceeding 10 feet.

Rescue teams used tyres and manual probing methods and are currently searching at four different points along the sewerage line. Additional search operations are also underway near the Data Darbar area.

“The operation will continue until the family is fully satisfied,” Waheed said.

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) officials have been instructed to speed up relief efforts as pressure mounts over accountability for the tragedy.