A 60-year-old man tragically drowned after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai on July 2, 2026. The unfortunate event occurred while drainage maintenance work was being conducted on Khairani Road in the Sakinaka area. Aslam Isak Shaikh, a resident of Yadav Nagar, was walking along the road when he stepped into the uncovered manhole and was subsequently swept away.

According to reports from local authorities, the incident transpired while private contractors were conducting repair work on a water drainage grill near Sanman Hotel and S J Studio. The workers had removed the manhole cover, leaving it unprotected, which led to the accident.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Shaikh was distracted, reportedly talking on his mobile phone, when he accidentally fell into the manhole. The workers at the site attempted a rescue by lowering a ladder into the drainage channel, but they could only retrieve his umbrella and slippers, leading to concerns about the swift water flow in the drain.

Search and Rescue Operation Initiated

The Mumbai Fire Brigade was alerted shortly after the incident. Firefighters promptly launched a search and rescue effort to locate Shaikh. After several hours of extensive searching, they unfortunately found his body within the drainage channel. The recovery operation faced challenges due to the fast-moving water.

The police have registered the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain if proper safety measures were in place at the maintenance site. This includes assessing whether the contractor had taken essential precautions, such as installing barricades and displaying warning signs prior to the manhole cover being removed.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, concerns have been raised regarding the safety protocols observed at public works sites, especially during the monsoon season when the risk of accidents is heightened due to waterlogged conditions and reduced visibility.

Authorities to Take Action Against Contractor

Following the incident, Mumbai’s Deputy Mayor, Sanjay Ghadi, announced that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would pursue action against the contractor responsible for the maintenance work. Ghadi stated that an investigation would evaluate the contractor’s adherence to necessary safety measures.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the accountability of contractors and the BMC in ensuring safe maintenance operations. As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to provide updates on the measures that will be put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In light of this event, public safety during road maintenance work will be a focal point for local authorities, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Continuous scrutiny of safety protocols is anticipated as civic bodies strive to mitigate the risks associated with essential public works, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and residents alike.

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