Mumbai Rains: 60-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, Body Found After 4 Hrs

A 60-year-old man, identified as Aslam Isak Shaikh , died after being swept into an open manhole concealed by floodwaters in Mumbai's Chandivali-Sakinaka area on Thursday, triggering administrative action and renewed scrutiny of civic safety during the monsoon.

The incident occurred around 12.26 pm on Khairani Road near Sanman Hotel and SJ Studio, where stormwater drain maintenance work was underway. Police said the manhole cover had been removed by contractual workers employed by a private contractor. Shaikh, who was reportedly talking on his mobile phone, stepped into the waterlogged stretch without noticing the uncovered manhole. His umbrella and slippers were recovered before he was swept away by the strong current. Personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the civic disaster management department later recovered his body.

Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would register a homicide case against the contractor and later demanded the resignation of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide , alleging serious lapses in monsoon preparedness. The BMC has since suspended four civic officials , blacklisted the contractor , and ordered a high-level inquiry, while Mayor Ritu Tawde announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the victim's family.

The tragedy comes as Mumbai battles intense monsoon conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an Orange Alert for 3 July , forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds, waterlogging, and possible disruption to transport and low-lying areas. Authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads and exercise caution near drains, manholes, and ongoing civic works.