BMC panel points to lapses by contractor, K East ward staff in Sakinaka manhole death

A BMC fact-finding committee found lapses by both the contractor and K East ward maintenance staff in the July 2 manhole death in Sakinaka.

The contractor, hired to install protective grills on manholes, failed to barricade the work site or display warning signs.

Two K East ward maintenance officials were flagged for supervisory lapses; no formal work order had been issued for the work assigned in May.

The contractor has allegedly been absconding since the incident.

The committee recommended SOPs and safety measures; this contrasts with the Chembur tree-fall inquiry where officials received a clean chit.