The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday accused the BJP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) of “criminal negligence” over deaths caused by people falling into open drains across the national capital.

Leader of the Opposition in the MCD Ankush Narang said while BJP Mayors may have changed, the civic body’s “irresponsible attitude” remained unchanged.

He alleged that several people have died in such incidents over the past two and a half months, but the MCD repeatedly “evaded accountability”. He demanded strict action against the errant officials.

“A 30-year-old man died in Rohini; Ayesha, 2, died in Burari; Rahul Singh died in Dilshad Garden; and Birju Singh died in Rohini Sector 32. In every incident, the BJP tried to suppress the matter and wash its hands of responsibility. How long will the people continue to pay for the BJP’s negligence with their lives?” Mr. Narang said.

“With the monsoon approaching, drain cleaning and desilting works have come to a standstill. Delhi is once again being pushed towards waterlogging and accidents,” he said.

‘Give compensation’

Mr. Narang added that the families of all victims should be given compensation of ₹1 crore each.

A man died after falling into an open drain in Vijay Vihar, the police said on May 15.

On May 3, a two-year-old girl from Mukundpur in Outer North district died after falling into an open drain, the police said.

When contacted, the Delhi BJP refused to respond to the allegations.