Sanitation Workers Protest at East Delhi Hospital After Colleague Murdered in Kalyanpuri

Hundreds of auto-tipper drivers and sanitation workers from across Delhi gathered at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in East Delhi on Monday to protest the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old sanitation worker in Kalyanpuri.

Auto-tipper operations came to a halt across the city as drivers and municipal sanitation staff joined the demonstration to demand justice and financial support for the victim's family. The family of the deceased has refused to accept the body from the hospital, and protestors stated that the last rites will not be conducted until all their demands are met.

The victim, identified as Anil Kumar, was engaged by Metro Waste, a private company. He was stabbed around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, while collecting garbage in Kalyanpuri. Following the assault, he was rushed to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in East Delhi, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Demonstrators gathered outside the hospital premises have placed three primary demands before the authorities. They are seeking ₹1 crore in ex-gratia compensation for the bereaved family, a permanent employment role in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for a member of the deceased's family, and strict action against the contractor, Metro Waste.

At least 1,000 sanitation workers and other civic employees had assembled at the hospital on Monday morning, with more continuing to arrive throughout the day in solidarity. Meanwhile, the police have registered a criminal case in connection with the fatal stabbing and have identified the accused involved in the crime.