Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Friday demanded strict criminal action against officials responsible for the death of a man who fell into an open manhole in Saki Naka during heavy rainfall. Calling the incident “deeply unfortunate,” the Mayor sought the registration of a culpable homicide case against those found responsible and announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for the victim’s family.
Mayor Demands Criminal Charges
Speaking after visiting the spot, Ritu Tawde said, “I demand charges of culpable homicide should be filed against those found responsible. I have announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased man.”
The Mayor said accountability must be fixed and that those responsible for the negligence should face legal consequences.
‘Work Should Never Have Been Carried Out During Red Alert’
Expressing grief over the incident, Tawde criticised the decision to undertake manhole-related work despite the city being under a Red Alert for heavy rainfall.
“The incident that has occurred here is deeply unfortunate… Although the manhole originally was covered, work was undertaken to remove it and install a safety grate. Given the administration’s ‘Red Alert’ status and the accumulation of water, pedestrians would not have been able to see the open manhole… Work involving the opening of manholes to install grates should not be undertaken during such heavy rains. I had repeatedly instructed that all grate installation work be completed before the monsoon season began… I am deeply saddened for the deceased and his family. I have announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for his family…. On-the-spot action has been taken against the officials… The Ward Officer bears the primary responsibility… I demanded her immediate suspension orders right then and there. The work undertaken amidst the ‘Red Alert’ and heavy rain was a mistake on the administration’s part…”
Immediate Action Against Officials
The Mayor confirmed that action had already been initiated against officials connected to the incident. She said the Ward Officer bears primary responsibility and added that she had demanded immediate suspension orders at the site itself.
The incident has sparked serious questions over civic preparedness during the ongoing monsoon, particularly regarding repair work being carried out despite severe weather warnings.
Investigation Underway
The victim died after accidentally falling into an open manhole while walking through a waterlogged stretch in Saki Naka. Rescue teams launched a search operation soon after the incident, but the man could not be saved.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine how safety protocols were allegedly ignored and to identify those responsible for the lapse.
