Mumbai – A family is refusing to claim the body of a man killed in a construction accident involving a Mumbai metro rail pillar, demanding ₹2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) in compensation and a government job for a family member. The incident, which occurred on Saturday in Mulund, has sparked protests and raised questions about safety protocols at the construction site.
Ramdhani Yadav, the deceased, was traveling in an autorickshaw when a portion of an elevated metro train bridge collapsed, crushing the vehicle. The family’s refusal to accept the body is a demonstration of their grief and a firm stance on what they believe is fair compensation for their loss. The demand for a government job underscores the financial hardship the family now faces.
According to reports, the family was initially offered ₹15 lakh (approximately $18,000 USD) in compensation by contractor officials, along with an additional ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) in relief from the government. Shashikant Yadav, a relative of the deceased, stated that the family rejected this offer, deeming it insufficient to support the needs of Ramdhani’s three daughters, including the costs of their education and future marriages, as reported by The Indian Express.
Protests and Police Intervention
Members of the Yadav community gathered at the accident site in support of the family, issuing a 5 p.m. Deadline for the government to provide a written assurance regarding their demands. They threatened a road blockade, known as a “chakka jam,” if their requests were not met. Police intervened and escorted the family to the Mulund police station for ongoing discussions. Local MLA Mohit Kotecha and former MP Manoj Kotak are also reportedly involved in negotiations with the family.
Details of the Accident and Arrests
The accident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. On Saturday near the Johnson and Johnson factory on LBS Road in Mulund, when a parapet segment of the under-construction metro bridge fell onto a passing autorickshaw and a Skoda car. India Today reports that three others were injured in the incident: Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52), and Deepa Ruhiya (40). Rajkumar Yadav remains in critical condition in an ICU.
Following the accident, an FIR was registered at the Mulund police station against officials from Milan Road Buildtech and DB Hill LBG under section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with other charges. Project director Harish Chauhan, project manager Kuldeep Sapkal, deputy manager Saurab Singh, supervisor Prashant Bhoir of Milan Road Buildtech, and project manager Avdhoot Inamdar of DB Hill LBG have been arrested, according to Hindustan Times.
Ramdhani Yadav was also identified as the elected head of Bharthani village in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, representing the Samajwadi Party.
The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue between the family, local officials, and representatives from the construction companies involved. The outcome of these discussions will likely set a precedent for similar incidents and highlight the importance of safety measures in large-scale infrastructure projects. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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