'This Is Murder': Mumbai Manhole Death Sparks Outrage; Congress, Milind Deora Slam BMC
'This Is Murder': Mumbai Manhole Death Sparks Outrage; Congress, Milind Deora Slam BMC Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 17:29 IST A 60-year-old man
'This Is Murder': Mumbai Manhole Death Sparks Outrage; Congress, Milind Deora Slam BMC Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 17:29 IST A 60-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole during drainage repair work in Mumbai’s Sakinaka, triggering outrage and fresh questions over civic safety. Rapid Read The BMC has blamed the private contractor for leaving the manhole uncovered and said strict action would be initiated against those found responsible. (Photo: X) The death of a 60-year-old man after he fell into an open stormwater drainage manhole in Mumbai’s Andheri East has triggered a political storm, with the opposition accusing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of gross negligence. The victim, identified as Aslam Isak Shaikh, fell into an uncovered manhole on Khairani Road near Sanman Hotel in Yadav Nagar, Sakinaka, during heavy rainfall while drainage repair work was underway. The BMC has blamed the private contractor for leaving the manhole uncovered and said strict action would be initiated against those found responsible.
BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde informed that four officials have been suspended and a case will be registered against the contractor. “Additionally, the family of the deceased will be provided financial assistance (compensation) of Rs 10 lakh," she added. The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with both the opposition and leaders from the ruling alliance demanding accountability. Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora of the Shiv Sena said the tragedy was entirely preventable and reflected systemic failures. “Another life lost. Another preventable tragedy," Deora said, asking how many more Mumbaikars would have to die before civic safety became a priority. He said open manholes were not accidents but the result of negligence, failed systems and a lack of accountability. Another life lost. Another preventable tragedy. How many more Mumbaikars must die before basic civic safety becomes a priority? Open manholes are not “accidents", they are the result of negligence, failed systems & a lack of accountability.The Bombay High Court has repeatedly… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) July 2, 2026 Mumbai Congress president Varsha Eknath Gaikwad also launched a scathing attack on the civic body, alleging that the death amounted to far more than negligence.
She also demanded that a case of culpable homicide be registered against negligent officials. “Day after day, Mumbaikars are losing their lives because of the corrupt and apathetic BMC. How many more lives will these people take?" she wrote on X. Yet another senseless tragedy in Mumbai due to BMC’s negligence. A man fell into an open manhole at Sakinaka! This happened during repair work of BMC, which means BMC staff and contractor staff were present on site and yet this happened. At this point this is not just negligence… pic.twitter.com/rYXBODcIL8— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 2, 2026 No One Has The Right To Play With Lives Of Mumbaikars: BMC BMC Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi also sought stringent action against those responsible. “No one has the right to play with the lives of Mumbaikars. There must be immediate strict legal action against all the officers responsible for this negligence. To prevent such incidents in the future, the administration must now take stringent steps," he said.
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