Police Launch Manhunt For Contractor After Manhole Death in Mumbai

Mumbai Police have registered a case against a contractor and three labourers after a 55-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open manhole on Khairani Road during heavy rain. The incident has raised serious questions about safety measures at civic work sites after CCTV footage reportedly showed that there were no barricades or warning signs around the uncovered manhole. Police have detained the three workers for questioning, while the contractor remains on the run.

The victim, identified as Aslam Isak Shaikh, was a resident of Yadav Nagar in Sakinaka and was returning home from work when the incident occurred. The 55-year-old allegedly slipped and fell into the uncovered manhole during heavy rainfall. His death has left his family devastated and sparked concerns over the lack of basic safety arrangements around ongoing civic works, particularly during the monsoon season.

The Sakinaka police registered an FIR on Friday against the contractor and three labourers connected with the worksite. The case has been filed under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with causing death by a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide. Section 3(5), relating to acts committed with common intention, has also been invoked against the accused.

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According to police, CCTV footage from the area is being examined as part of the investigation. The visuals reportedly show that no proper safety barricades or warning signs had been placed around the civic worksite where the manhole was left open. Investigators are trying to determine who was responsible for ensuring safety at the location and whether negligence directly contributed to Shaikh's death.

Senior Inspector Avinash Mandle of the Sakinaka police station said the contractor was absconding following the incident. Multiple police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him, while the three labourers have been detained for questioning. Police are expected to examine the roles and responsibilities of everyone connected with the work to establish how the manhole was left uncovered without adequate protection.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by uncovered manholes and poorly secured civic work sites during heavy rain in Mumbai. Police are continuing their investigation and searching for the contractor, while questions remain over the absence of barricades and warning signs at the site. Further action will be taken based on the evidence collected and the statements of those being questioned.

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