HYDERABAD: Fourteen months after the outbreak of cholera that claimed 13 lives in Bholakpur, city police on Thursday arrested five officials of the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), including its Chief General Manager.
Penalties
The officials were charged with law sections which deal with negligence leading to death and acts that could spread infectious diseases. Punishments, if convicted, could stretch up to two years in jail along with penalties. They were released later on bail.
The arrested included Board's CGM Manohar Babu, GM Praveen Kumar, DGM Rajasekhar Reddy, area in-charge David Raju and field assistant Uma Maheshwara Rao.
Outbreak
The outbreak of cholera in May 2009 led to a furore as police investigations revealed that the officials had not initiated any remedial measures despite repeated complaints lodged about supply of contaminated water.
As the cholera deaths mounted, police registered cases, but for mysterious reasons no arrests were made.
Accountability
The outbreak that led to hospitalisation of hundreds of residents of Bholakpur and surrounding areas had not only marred the image of the most happening city, but also brought into sharp focus the lack of accountability in the civic departments.
Investigations established an unfailing regularity in not redressing the complaints of contaminated water being supplied through lines which criss-crossed with sewer lines.
The presence of the units processing raw hides and animal bones further complicated the situation as the waste, a perfect host for bacteria-causing cholera, mixed with the drinking water.
Controversy
The outbreak of epidemic grew into a political controversy as different parties launched agitations.
Negligent act
The arrested officials are charged under Sections 304-A (rash and negligent act resulting in death), 166 (public servant disobeying law with intent to cause injury) and 270 (malignant act likely to spread infectious diseases dangerous to life) of Indian Penal Code.
Friday, Jul 30, 2010
