Mysore/Mysuru: A Pourakarmika, who was engaged in cleaning an open drain at Maragowdanahalli in Bannur Police limits, died after slipping and falling into the drain on Saturday morning.

The deceased is Murugan (38), who has been working as a Pourakarmika at Hanumanaalu Gram Panchayat since nine years.

It is learnt that the drain was clogged due to growth of weeds in it and following rains on Saturday, the drain was filled with rain water and had remained stagnant. When Murugan was clearing the weeds in the drain he slipped and fell into it sustaining head injuries. He breathed his last by the time others came to his rescue.

Meanwhile, Murugan’s wife Priya, who has lodged a complaint with the Police, stated that Murugan left for work at about 7 am on Saturday and the news about her husband’s death was told by a person known to the family at 12 noon over the phone.

She has further stated that by the time she reached the spot, the Gram Panchayat PDO, with the help of an earth moving machine, had got the stone slabs covering the drain removed and lifted the body. Accusing negligence on the part of the officials concerned and holding them responsible for her husband’s death, Priya has urged the authorities concerned to take action against the erring officials.

Various organisations have demanded adequate compensation to Murugan’s family and a job to one member of the deceased’s family. Bannur Police, who have registered a case, are investigating.