Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) The death of an elderly man after falling into a manhole left open during maintenance work by a private contractor, has triggered massive outrage in Maharashtra.

The tragic incident occurred on Khairani Road in Saki Naka on Thursday morning around 10:00 A.M., when the 60-year-old man lost his life after falling into an open manhole.

Following a grueling four-hour search and rescue operation, fire brigade personnel managed to retrieve the individual, who was unfortunately declared dead.

Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi confirmed the victim’s demise and identified him as Aslam Shaikh.

According to reports, the manhole cover had been removed for maintenance work being carried out by a private contractor on Khairani Road during the monsoon season. However, no safety barricades or road reflectors were set up at the site.

Consequently, Shaikh failed to anticipate the open manhole, lost his balance, and fell inside.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, fire brigade personnel, and the local police rushed to the spot to launch immediate rescue operations. However, tracking Shaikh initially proved difficult.

Emergency teams worked on a war footing at the site. During the initial phase of the search, the victim’s umbrella and footwear were recovered. Given the high velocity of the water current inside the drainage system, authorities feared he might have been washed away. Despite the challenging conditions, fire brigade personnel successfully retrieved Shaikh’s body after four hours of relentless efforts.

Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi stated that Shaikh had passed away and his body was sent to a nearby hospital for post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ritu Tawde made a startling revelation, admitting that the municipal corporation itself was unaware of the exact nature of the work being carried out on the road. She assured that stringent action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence.

As heavy rains lash Mumbai, causing widespread waterlogging across several areas, this fatal accident in Saki Naka has once again brought the critical issue of open manholes to the forefront.

The incident has sparked furious reactions from Mumbaikars over the administration’s absolute mismanagement. The ruling administration is facing severe backlash, especially since this is the second such high-profile lapse recently.

Just last week, during a monsoon inspection tour led by Mayor Ritu Tawde following heavy downpours, a BMC official had fallen into an open drain right before her eyes, but was rescued on time.

With yet another citizen losing their life to administrative apathy, public anger against the authorities continues to intensify.

Taking a serious note of it, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the registration of a culpable homicide offence in this regard should be checked.

He directed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner should give a detailed report in this regard by evening.

The issue was raised by BJP legislator Amit Satam demanding stern action.

The Speaker said, “It is quite a serious issue. Various works are underway during the rainy season. In some cases manholes are open and in some areas roads are dug up. In such cases, the offence for culpable homicide should be registered.”

He recalled that a few years ago a leading doctor died after getting washed away after falling into an open manhole.

–IANS

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