One more down the drain

HELL HOLE | Woman's fatal fall into manhole sparks outrage

- Rucha Kanolkar

The tragic death of 45-year-old Vimal Anil Gaikwad, who fell into a manhole during heavy rain in Andheri, has again catapulted the city's manhole tragedies into the spotlight. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability from the civic body.

Gaikwad's husband, who had filed a police complaint, lamented the loss of his wife, stating, "I am a sick man. My wife took care of the house. We have lost everything. Whoever is at fault, I want them to be punished."

The BMC has launched a high-level inquiry into the incident, to be led by a deputy commissioner, and has sought a report in three days. The inquiry committee consists of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 3), Devidas Kshirsagar; Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar and Chief Engineer (Quality) Avinash Tambe.

The incident occurred during heavy rain that brought life in the financial capital to a standstill. Rail tracks and roads went under water and traffic came to a halt, while at least 14 inbound flights were diverted.