Gurgaon: A 19-year-old construction worker slipped and fell 19 floors to his death at an under-construction building in Sector 113 on Friday afternoon. As he fell, his 29-year-old co-worker managed to grab an iron rod on a floor below and hung precariously until other workers reached him and pulled him to safety.The deceased, Dilkhush, was from Katihar in Bihar, while the injured worker, Vasudev from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, suffered a fracture to his hand. He was taken to hospital and is undergoing treatment.The two were working on the 19th floor of an M3M Smart World building being constructed by VCL Constructions when they slipped, according to police and workers at the site. Dilkhush fell to the ground and died on the spot. Vasudev, falling after him, caught hold of the rod on the floor below, but was seriously injured in the process.Other workers rushed to help him and brought him to safety. News of Dilkhush’s death soon spread through the project site, triggering anger among labourers.Workers then confronted the contractor, Saddam, accusing the construction agency of failing to provide adequate safety arrangements for those working at height. The confrontation turned into a scuffle, and Saddam was allegedly chased and assaulted.Police personnel intervened and later dispersed the workers. An emergency response vehicle sent to the site was also damaged during the commotion, with one of its windows smashed.A senior police officer said, “The fall appeared to be an accident. They are most likely to have slipped.”No complaint alleging negligence was received from Dilkhush’s family, he said. Police, therefore, initiated only inquest proceedings under Section 194 of BNSS.No complaint was filed by the contractor either over the alleged assault. Police said no case was registered for negligence or assault.Dilkhush’s body was sent for autopsy. Police said further action would depend on the findings and any formal complaints received.
