The deceased were identified as Nagaraj (35) and Shahinshah (32) of Srinivasapuram. Since there was a block in the drainage preventing the flow from a housing board apartment in the area, the duo was hired by Kubendran.

“But he failed to provide the necessary safety gear for the two. Shahinshah entered the manhole and collapsed after inhaling the poisonous gas. Nagaraj, who went to his colleague’s rescue, too collapsed due to the gas. Both died inside the manhole,” police said.

Later, the Fire and Rescue Services personnel were alerted and their bodies were retrieved after a struggle that lasted for nearly half an hour. Foreshore Estate police registered a case and arrested Kubendran for causing the death.