Mumbai: Days after a seven-year-old boy, Divyansh Maurya, died by falling into a water-filled construction pit in Malad East, the Kurar police have arrested contractor Darshan Patel for negligence. Patel, 42, was remanded to judicial custody on Sunday, while site engineer Kishan remains at large. Both, along with other persons, face a case under Section 106(1) (causing death by rash and negligent act) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The tragedy occurred at a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project managed by Mauli Sai Developers. The site, located near the victim’s house, had been under construction for several months with piling work underway. Investigation revealed the pit was left open without any barricading or safety precautions.

Residents reported that following the drowning, workers were seen hurriedly installing tin sheets around the previously exposed pit on Friday morning. The SRA issued a notice to the developers on March 20 regarding these safety lapses. Dinesh Mahajan, executive engineer at Malad, told The FPJ, “SRA is a planning authority and not an executing authority. The developer and the architect are fully responsible for implementing the project and ensuring safety. We issued a notice to the construction company regarding safety the very next day.”

The incident took place around 7 pm on March 19 while Divyansh was playing outside. CCTV footage shows the child attempting to retrieve his ball from the pit with a stick before losing his balance. His father, Rajesh Maurya, later discovered the boy’s legs protruding from the water. Divyansh was rushed to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali West but was declared dead on arrival. The area is surrounded by partially demolished slums and frequented by children playing in the bylanes. The site is located in a dead-end lane locally known as ‘Bhoot Galli’.

Mira Road: A major fire broke out at a godown near the Pleasant Park area in Mira Road on Tuesday night, triggering panic among residents as flames rapidly spread to nearby residential buildings.

Details On The Fire

The blaze erupted around 9 pm in a makeshift warehouse constructed using tin sheets and bamboo. The godown reportedly stored highly flammable materials such as plastic and cloth, which intensified the fire and caused it to spread quickly.

Massive Fire Led To Extensive Firefighting Operation

As the flames grew, they reached adjacent buildings, impacting balconies and forcing several residents to evacuate as a precaution. The fire climbed up to the fourth floor of nearby structures, creating a tense situation in the locality. The situation worsened after gas cylinders inside the premises exploded, further fuelling the blaze and damaging vehicles parked in the vicinity.

Fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale operation to douse the flames. Multiple water tankers and firefighting equipment were deployed to bring the situation under control, given the intensity of the fire. While no casualties have been reported, officials estimate major financial losses, particularly for residents whose homes and vehicles were affected.

MNS Likely To Stage Protest Today

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Sandeep Rane alleged that several such commercial establishments operate without proper permissions or fire safety clearances. He said the party would stage a protest on Wednesday over the issue. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation.

Mumbai: A meeting was organised today to familiarise the newly elected members of the Health Committee with the healthcare facilities provided by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Heads of various departments like major hospitals, public health department, suburban hospitals which are part of the health system of the Municipal Corporation made detailed presentations before the members of the Health Committee. On this occasion, Health Committee Chairman Harish Bhaginde directed the Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration to disseminate and expand the healthcare facilities provided by the Municipal Corporation more effectively at the local level.

The meeting was attended by all the members of the Health Committee, Deputy Commissioner (Public Health). Sharad Uday, Director (Major Hospitals and Medical Colleges) Dr. Shailesh Mohte, Deans of all major hospitals, concerned officers of various sub-departments of the Health Department were present. Information about the health sector services provided by major hospitals and medical colleges, Public Health Department, suburban hospitals under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation were presented in detail through a presentation. Information about the location of hospitals in the health system, number of beds, staff capacity, etc. was presented on this occasion. Along with this, information about the ongoing infrastructure development works to empower the health system, engineering works to increase the capacity of hospitals, increase in bed capacity, etc. was provided during the presentation. Information about the health facilities provided in slums through the Public Health Department system was also presented. Apart from this, information about various initiatives for blood pressure, diabetes, healthy diet, yoga was also provided to the members. Information about various medical facilities provided by the health system in health institutions should be disseminated to the general public. Accordingly, Health Committee Chairman Harish directed the Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration to further promote and expand health facilities at the local level. Creating more awareness about diseases like tuberculosis, the Health Committee members suggested that special efforts be made in some wards regarding the facilities available and treatment as well as diagnosis.