Ultimate Sacrifice: Man Dies Trying to Save Drowning Migrant Labourers Near Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: Antony Varghese did not have to think twice before rushing to help two migrant labourers who were trapped in a well and struggling for breath. But the well turned out to be a death trap for all three - Antony, and the labourers - Muqthar and Jahangeer.

The tragic scene, so eerily reminiscent of the manhole tragedy in Kozhikode last year in which Noushad, an auto driver and two migrant workers lost their lives, unfurled at Kurichi in Changanassery on Sunday.

Around 1.30 pm, the 44-year-old Antony, alias Shibu, of Chakkungal House at Shanthipuram heard the cries for help by Muqthar and Jahangeer, labourers from West Bengal, who entered the well in his neighbour’s compound for cleaning work.  The suffocation was caused after thick fumes started emanating from the motor which they used to pump dirty water out of the well - 36 rings deep. Despite the grave danger he could put himself in, Antony entered the well to save the trapped workers. But the trio never came back alive.

The Chingavanam police and the Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Kottayam reached the spot and shifted the trio to Changanassery General Hospital where they were declared dead. Antony’s brother Joseph Varghese is the senior civil police officer at Changanassery police station. Antony was residing with his wife at a rented house.

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The New Indian Express
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