A 19-year-old labourer was killed during construction of the Sewri–Worli connector, an infrastructure project executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) through contractor J Kumar Infraprojects, near KEM Hospital in Parel early on Tuesday. The incident highlights alleged safety and supervisory lapses at the project site.
Details of the incident
The deceased, Ravi Giri, a native of Nepal, lived in Sewri with his father Anil Giri and worked as a daily wage labourer engaged by the contractor. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by Bhoiwada police, Ravi and a co-worker were assigned to transport heavy iron frames between pillars along Acharya Donde Marg using a crane. Around 11 pm, they successfully shifted two frames and returned to move the remaining ones. At approximately 12.15 am, while the crane was transporting the second set of frames from near the hospital gate towards Parel TT, the load allegedly became unstable. The suspended iron frame swung and struck Ravi on the chest and abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead around 3.05 am.
Police action and allegations
Police have booked crane operator Mohammad Sheikh (25) for alleged negligent handling of the equipment. Investigators stated that the load was not adequately secured or controlled during movement. Supervisory lapses have also been cited. Police said the designated site supervisor, Anil Shivdayal Giri (32), was not present at the site, raising questions over safety compliance during late-night operations. A case has been registered against both the operator and the supervisor for negligence. Officials are examining whether standard safety protocols for crane operations and handling of heavy materials were followed.
Compensation concerns
Ravi's father alleged that neither the contractor nor authorities had given any assurance on compensation, even hours after the fatal incident. The lack of immediate response has added to the family's distress.
MMRDA response
Responding to the latest mishap, MMRDA officials said they were ascertaining the exact sequence of events and would take action based on the findings. Police said further action will follow as the probe progresses.
Context of infrastructure mishaps
The incident adds to a series of recent infrastructure mishaps, raising concerns about safety standards at construction sites across the city. Authorities are under pressure to ensure strict compliance with safety norms to prevent such tragedies.
