Hours after a passerby named Aslam Shaikh fell into a manhole on Khairani Road in Sakinaka, leading to his death, the BMC has suspended four key personnel pending a thorough investigation. Among those suspended are the Assistant Commissioner of the ‘L’ Ward, assistant and junior maintenance engineers, and a Sewerage Operations Department representative. BMC Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has set up a high-level inquiry committee to submit a detailed report within seven days.
In response to the tragedy, a 100% safety inspection of all manholes in Mumbai’s administrative wards has been ordered within the next eight days. Shaikh fell into the manhole during drain maintenance by a private contractor, as the manhole cover had been removed without proper safety measures. Despite a challenging rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Shaikh’s body was eventually recovered downstream.
Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi confirmed Shaikh’s demise, with his body sent for a post-mortem examination. Mayor Ritu Tawde acknowledged the lack of awareness within the municipal corporation regarding the ongoing work on the road, promising strict action against those responsible for negligence. The incident has reignited concerns over open manholes in Mumbai, drawing criticism from the public over administrative failures.
Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal addressed the issue in the state assembly, following directives from Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Calls have been made for registering culpable homicide charges against BMC officers for negligence, with demands for further accountability from Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar.
