Lahore (Web Desk): A woman who tragically fell into an uncovered manhole along with her 10-month-old daughter near Bhati Gate in Lahore has been found dead, while rescue teams are still searching for the missing child, police confirmed on Thursday.
Talking to media, DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran said the deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Sadia.
He explained that emergency crews and relevant departments had been following the route of the sewer line during the operation when they located her body.
The search for the girl remains underway. According to the DIG, Sadia’s body was recovered from Outfall Road, roughly three kilometres away from the spot where she and her daughter had fallen.
The DIG Operations noted that the powerful current inside the sewerage system had swept the body far from the original location.
Authorities have set up a high-level committee to investigate how the incident occurred, and the panel is expected to share its findings soon.
Kamran added that, on the instructions of the Punjab chief minister, senior officials from all concerned departments are present at the scene, supervising the ongoing efforts.
Meanwhile, three people who had been detained earlier in connection with the incident, including the woman’s husband, have now been released.
An official notification issued on Thursday stated that the additional chief secretary will head the inquiry committee.
The panel also includes the additional secretary of Services and General Administration, the secretary of Communication and Works, and an additional inspector general of police.
The committee has been directed to wrap up its investigation and submit a report within 24 hours.
Separately, the Director General (DG) of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) stated that Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmad have been suspended for negligence related to their responsibilities.