The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended four civic officials following the death of 55-year-old Aslam Ishaq Sheikh, who fell into an open manhole in Saki Naka during heavy rainfall. The civic body has also announced financial assistance of INBR 10 lakh for the victim's family.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde announced the action on Thursday, describing the incident as "extremely unfortunate." She said Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
According to the Mayor, several manholes had been opened to facilitate the drainage of rainwater following a Red Alert for heavy rainfall. Protective safety grilles were in the process of being installed when the accident occurred.
"The tender for installing protective covers was floated two years ago, but the implementation work was underway only now," Tawde said.
As part of the disciplinary action, the BMC has suspended the concerned Ward Officer, Assistant Engineer (AE), Sub-Engineer, and Junior Engineer (JE) pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident took place on Thursday morning near Sanman Hotel on Khairani Road in Saki Naka. Aslam Sheikh was reportedly walking while speaking on his mobile phone when he accidentally fell into the open manhole, which had been left uncovered due to ongoing repair work. The strong water flow caused by heavy rains swept him away.
Fire brigade personnel and rescue teams launched a search operation immediately after the incident. Sheikh's body was later recovered, and doctors declared him dead.
The tragedy has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many questioning the BMC's monsoon preparedness and raising concerns over open manholes, waterlogging, and public safety measures across Mumbai.
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