Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) Hours after the death of a passerby, Aslam Shaikh, after falling into a manhole on Khairani Road in Sakinaka (Andheri East), the c (BMC) has placed four key personnel under suspension pending a full inquiry.

The suspension includes the Assistant Commissioner of the ‘L’ Ward (Dhanaji Herlekar), along with assistant and junior maintenance engineers and a representative from the Sewerage Operations Department.

Further, BMC Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide ordered the immediate establishment of a high-level inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs), with a strict mandate to submit a comprehensive report within seven days.

In light of the mishap, instructions have been issued for a 100 per cent safety inspection of all manholes across Mumbai’s 26 administrative wards within the next eight days.

Shaikh fell into the manhole when drain maintenance and desilting were being carried out by a private contractor. The manhole cover had been removed without any proper barricades or safety warnings. He accidentally stepped directly into the storm drain and was rapidly swept away by the heavy water flow.

After a strenuous rescue effort by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, his body was traced and recovered downstream. Upon receiving information about the incident, BMC officials, fire brigade personnel, and the local police rushed to the spot to launch immediate rescue operations. However, tracking Shaikh initially proved difficult.

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 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 a 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 Sakinaka 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.

Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal made a statement in this regard in the state assembly as per the directives earlier given by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

He had said that the offence of culpable homicide should be registered against the BMC officers for negligence as their suspension would not be adequate. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar also made a similar demand.

–IANS

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