Bengaluru, March 1 -- Three people were killed on Saturday evening after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes from a rainwater soak pit near Immadihalli Temple Circle in Bengaluru's Whitefield, police said.

Police have identified the deceased as Munishamappa (67), the property owner; Rudrakumar (40), a plumber; and Vishwanath Achari (24), a delivery worker.

According to preliminary findings, the soak pit had been constructed about 12 years ago but had not been used regularly. Over time, stagnant water and waste accumulated inside, leading to decomposition and the formation of hazardous gases.

"At around 5 pm, Munishamappa decided to clean the soak pit using chemicals after a foul odour was noticed. When he entered or leaned into the pit, he ...