The victim, identified as Aslam Isak Shaikh, was walking along the road when he approached the manhole where BMC-appointed labourers were working to install a protective grille. Despite warnings from the workers, Shaikh lost his balance and fell in. Strong water currents swept him away, making immediate rescue difficult. Labourers recovered only his umbrella and slippers initially. Fire brigade personnel later entered the sewer line and retrieved his body, which was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital where he was declared dead.
In response to the incident, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide ordered the immediate suspension of four civic officials — L Ward Assistant Commissioner Dhanaji Herlekar and three engineers (Deputy Engineer Deepak Chougule, Junior Engineer Abhijit Chougule, and another engineer). The contractor involved has also been blacklisted for failing to provide proper barricades and safety warnings at the site.
This tragedy comes just two days after an 11-year-old schoolboy died in Chembur due to a tree collapse. It also follows a recent incident where a BMC staffer narrowly escaped falling into an open drain near Mayor Ritu Tawde during an inspection. The repeated manhole-related accidents have drawn sharp criticism from politicians and residents, with calls for stricter accountability and urgent civic repairs across the city.
The Mayor has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim’s family and directed a comprehensive audit of manholes across Mumbai. This case once again raises serious questions about civic negligence and safety measures during the monsoon when waterlogging and poor visibility increase risks on busy roads.
