Rag-picker drowns in storm water drain

An 18-year-old rag picker identified as Izrul Sheikh is said to have drowned in a stormwater drain near Varthur Lake in Whitefield on Thursday.

Originally from West Bengal, Izrul had been living with his family in a labourers’ colony. The incident occurred around 10 am while he was collecting waste near a drain behind a construction site when he accidentally slipped into the water. Despite the efforts of passers-by who rushed to help, the strong water current hindered the rescue attempt.

Whitefield police, along with fire and emergency service personnel, arrived at the scene and launched a search operation, but after several hours, there was no sign of the victim. The operation was called off for the day and is expected to resume on Friday. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.