The Mumbai Police have filed a case against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a contractor after a 45-year-old woman tragically fell into an open drain and lost her life during heavy rains in the city on Wednesday.
The woman, identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad, died late at night in Andheri East, raising questions about the civic body’s preparedness and infrastructure during the monsoon season.
Vimal Gaikwad’s husband, who filed the police complaint, expressed his grief and frustration, citing negligence on the part of the authorities. “I am a sick man, my wife used to take care of my house. We have lost everything; I want that whoever is at fault should be punished. We have lodged an FIR,” he stated.
BMC Faces Negligence Charges, Orders Inquiry
In response to the charges of negligence, the BMC has ordered an internal inquiry and formed a three-member panel to investigate the incident. The panel, led by Devidas Kshirsagar, Deputy Commissioner of Zone 3, has been tasked with submitting a report within three days. Other members of the panel include Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar and Chief Engineer (Quality) Avinash Tambe.
In a statement, the BMC said, “A high-level inquiry committee consisting of three members has been formed. Deputy Commissioner of Zone 3, Devidas Kshirsagar, will chair the committee, while Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar and Chief Engineer (Quality) Avinash Tambe will be the other two members.”
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The incident has intensified scrutiny of the city’s drainage systems, which often struggle to cope with the torrential monsoon rains, leading to frequent flooding and disruptions in the metropolis.
Heavy Rains Cause Chaos in Mumbai
The rains on Wednesday brought Mumbai to a standstill, submerging roads and rail tracks, disrupting transportation, and impacting thousands of commuters. At least 14 inbound flights were diverted as the downpour intensified, straining the city’s already stretched infrastructure.
According to reports, Vimal Gaikwad fell into an overflowing manhole near Gate Number 8 of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) building in Andheri East. She was rushed to Cooper Hospital by fire brigade personnel, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
Restoration of Normalcy
As the rains receded, vehicular and rail traffic resumed in Mumbai. The city, known for its resilience, is now returning to normalcy, though the incident has sparked widespread debate over the adequacy of Mumbai’s urban infrastructure, particularly during the monsoon season.
Public Reaction
The tragic incident has led to an outpouring of anger and grief, with many questioning the BMC’s preparedness for the annual monsoons. Local residents expressed their frustration over the open manholes and poor drainage systems that turn fatal during heavy rainfall.
Ongoing Investigation
The Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and will investigate the involvement of both the BMC and the contractor responsible for the maintenance of the area where the incident took place. Public pressure is mounting, with calls for strict accountability and justice for the victim’s family.
