Uttar Pradesh News: Sanitation Worker Attempts Suicide After Job Termination In Lucknow; Family Blames Suvej India, Unions Slam ‘East India Company’ Work Culture

Lucknow: Dilip Valmiki, a sanitation worker, employed by the Suez company India for Jal Kal (water department), attempted suicide by consuming acid after being allegedly terminated from his job without cause. He is currently in critical condition at a private hospital. His distraught family has filed a complaint at Mahanagar Police Station, seeking an FIR against the company.

Dilip Valmiki, who had worked for the company for approximately seven years, was dismissed 15 days ago without explanation. He had been persistently appealing to company officials for reinstatement.

On Tuesday at noon, in despair over the lack of response, he consumed acid near the Mahanagar water tank. He was initially taken to Mahanagar Civil Hospital, then referred to Trauma Centre due to his severe condition, and later shifted to a private hospital, where he remains critical. His wife, Rinki Valmiki, is inconsolable.

Sandeep Awasthi, Deputy Convener of the Uttar Pradesh Jal Kar Vibhag Samanvay Samiti, condemned Suvez India, stating it operates like the "East India Company," harassing employees and arbitrarily firing them.

He claimed that since the company's arrival, sewer work has deteriorated, and public representatives and citizens are unhappy. Awasthi held company officials, including Zonal Officer Manoj Tiwari and Nagar Nigam's Bharti, directly responsible for the incident.

Ramesh Kumar Gupta, General Secretary of the Employee Union, stated that Dilip's suicide attempt was a direct result of the company's harassment. He demanded that the company pay Dilip's family his monthly salary during his treatment and reinstate him upon recovery.

Gupta alleged that the company suppresses employee voices and uses its influence to prevent FIRs from being registered against it. He also demanded ₹50 lakh compensation for the victim's family.

Dilip, the sole earning member for his family, including his wife, son, daughter, and sister, was already struggling financially after his termination. His family alleges that his repeated pleas for reinstatement went ignored, leading to his desperate act.