LAHORE: The body of a young woman who fell into an open manhole along with her daughter near Bhati Gate in Lahore has been recovered, while efforts are still underway to locate the missing child, police officials said on Thursday.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed that the victim was identified as Sadia, 24. He said rescue teams and relevant authorities had been carrying out search operations along the sewerage line when the woman’s body was discovered.
According to police, the body was found on Outfall Road, around three kilometres away from the manhole where the incident occurred. Officials said the strong sewage flow carried the body a considerable distance, complicating rescue efforts.
The search operation is continuing for the recovery of the woman’s daughter. Authorities have expanded the operation along the drainage route to trace the child.
A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident and determine responsibility. The DIG said the inquiry body has been directed to submit its findings at the earliest, while heads of all concerned departments are inspecting the situation on the instructions of the Punjab chief minister.
Earlier, three individuals, including the woman’s husband, were taken into custody for questioning and have since been released.
A notification issued on Thursday stated that the Additional Chief Secretary will serve as convener of the committee, with the Additional Secretary Services and General Administration, Secretary Communication and Works, and an Additional Inspector General included as members. The committee has been tasked with completing its investigation and submitting a report within 24 hours.
