MCD sanitation worker killed; waste collection vehicles to stay off roads

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Safai Karamchari Union on Sunday said it will keep the small garbage collection vehicles, called auto-tippers, off the roads from Monday following the killing of a sanitation worker, identified as Anil Kumar, in east Delhi’s Kalyanpuri.

The union leaders said they will meet MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar on Monday to seek a permanent job for a member of Anil’s family and an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore, and threatened a larger protest if their demands are not met.

The 27-year-old sanitation worker was stabbed to death around 8.15 a.m. on Sunday, the police said. The attack was captured on CCTV footage, which showed a man in a yellow T-shirt approaching Anil from behind, grabbing him by the collar and repeatedly stabbing him before walking away, according to the police.

The victim was rushed to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His relatives and local residents subsequently staged a protest at the hospital, demanding action against the accused. His family has alleged that the police initially informed them that Anil had met with an accident. However, on reaching the spot, they noticed the stab marks on Anil’s body. A family member said Anil had no known enmity with anyone.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rajeev Kumar said the accused has been identified. “An FIR has been registered under relevant sections and efforts are under way to arrest him,” he said.

The MCD said it would ensure compensation to the victim’s family, adding that one of its representatives had visited the family to convey the assurance.

Kuldeep Kumar of the Aam Aadmi Party, the local MLA, met the family members and demanded compensation for them. “Does a poor man’s life hold no value in this world?” he said, alleging that criminals had become emboldened under the BJP rule and urged the government to take prompt action against the accused.

“This is not the first time a sanitation worker has been beaten or killed. Violence against sanitation workers is common. Action must be taken against those responsible,” said union president Karan Singh Mahroliya.

He alleged that Anil had been called to duty on Sunday, an off day for him.

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