Police on Thursday arrested all three suspects named in a first information report (FIR) after a woman and her infant daughter died when they fell into an under-construction sewer line near the historic Data Darbar shrine, officials said.

The FIR was registered at Bhati Gate police station under Section 322 (manslaughter) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the woman’s father, Sajid.

He named the construction project’s project manager, safety in-charge and site in charge, accusing them of leaving the manhole open due to negligence and carelessness.

According to the FIR, the complainant said his son received a call from his brother-in-law informing the family about the incident.

The bodies of the victims were recovered on Thursday after a prolonged rescue operation.

Rescue officials said the body of the 24-year-old woman, identified as Saadia, was found about three kilometres away on Outfall Road, while the body of her 10-month-old daughter, Rida, was recovered nearly eight kilometres away near Saggian.

The incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday when the family was returning after visiting Data Darbar.

The victim’s husband, Ghulam Murtaza, told police that as the family was boarding a rickshaw, a push caused his wife and daughter to fall into an uncovered manhole.

Both were swept away by fast-flowing rainwater.

Rescue 1122 said the search operation continued for 17 hours before both bodies were located.

Post-mortems were conducted at Mayo Hospital’s morgue.

Punjab Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police also visited the morgue and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

Police termed the incident an accident and said investigations were underway.

CCTV footage showing the family heading towards the site after visiting the shrine has surfaced and is being reviewed as part of the probe.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took strict notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry under the supervision of the additional chief secretary, seeking a detailed report.

Following preliminary findings, Tepa Director Shabbir Hussain, Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmed have been suspended.

Officials said further action would be taken if negligence is established.