Following the tragic death of 55-year-old Aslam Ishaq Shaikh, who fell into an open sewage manhole in Sakinaka, State Minister for Urban Development Madhuri Misal informed the Legislative Assembly that a 100% safety inspection of all manholes across Mumbai will be completed within the next eight days.
Addressing the Assembly, Misal described the incident as "extremely serious" and announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee headed by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs). The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days.
Aslam Ishaq Shaikh died on July 2 after falling into an open sewage manhole in Sakinaka. With the assistance of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, his body was recovered from another manhole approximately 100 feet away.
Misal stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had repeatedly instructed concerned officials to ensure that all manholes, covers, and protective safety nets were secured before the onset of the monsoon. According to the minister, the contractor had arranged the required manpower, machinery, and protective nets for the work.
However, the preliminary inquiry found that workers had opened the manhole cover to install a safety net when Aslam Shaikh, a pedestrian, allegedly lost his balance and fell into the uncovered manhole.
CCTV footage from the site reportedly shows that essential safety measures, including barricades and tripods, were not in place while the work was underway. The footage indicates a serious violation of prescribed safety protocols.
Pending the outcome of the inquiry, four municipal officials found prima facie responsible have been suspended. They are:
The process of registering a criminal case against the contractor has been initiated for allegedly failing to implement mandatory safety measures at the work site.
In addition, the Urban Development Department has directed all Additional Municipal Commissioners, seven Zonal Deputy Commissioners, and 26 Zonal Assistant Commissioners to physically inspect every manhole across Mumbai and submit a detailed safety compliance report within eight days.
Also Read: Over 4,400 Mumbai Manholes Still Without Safety Grilles After Saki Naka Tragedy
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