MUMBAI: A day after two people died and seven others were injured when a 22-foot Ganesh idol fell on them during the arrival ceremony of the ‘Bhuleshwaracha Raja’ on Saturday, state cultural affairs minister and Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday directed BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide to inspect all roads used for the arrival and transportation of Ganesh idols across Mumbai within 24 hours.
Two of our Ganesh volunteers have lost their lives in this accident. Shelar warned that no one would be spared if any administrative lapse was found. “Determining who was at fault and what exactly caused the accident is a matter for the inquiry. The police are investigating the case and should be allowed to carry out their work. However, stressing the need to prevent such incidents in the future, Shelar directed the BMC to immediately inspect routes used for transporting Ganesh idols and ensure close coordination among the civic administration, police and Ganesh mandals. However, in the wake of this accident, all agencies have once again been given the necessary directions. If any administrative lapse is found, no one responsible will be spared under any circumstances,” he warned. Following the accident, Shelar met office-bearers of the Bhuleshwaracha Raja Ganesh Mandal and offered condolences to the families of the deceased volunteers. He also paid his last respects to the mortal remains of mandal president Sanket Nevashe and Brijesh Joshi at Chandanwadi Crematorium and met members of the mandal. Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was also present. “This is an extremely unfortunate incident. On behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, I offer my heartfelt tribute to them. The Lokmanya Tilak Marg police have registered a case of accidental death in the matter.
He also announced financial assistance of ₹ 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹ 1 lakh each to those injured in the accident.
Shelar said the exact cause of the accident and responsibility for it would be established after the inquiry. The police are investigating the incident and should be allowed to carry out their probe, he said. All aspects of the incident will become clear through the inquiry,” Shelar said. I pray to Lord Ganesha for the speedy recovery of the injured Ganesh volunteers,” Shelar said.
“The BMC had earlier held various meetings and issued necessary instructions.
