Mumbai: The Sir J J Marg police have arrested two supervisors in connection with the death of four labourers who suffocated while cleaning an underground water tank in a building in Nagpada. The accused have been identified as Abdul Dalim Sheikh (35) and Animesh Biswas (33), both residents of the Nagpada area. Sheikh is a labour contractor, while Biswas is a building contractor.
The police have registered a case of negligence against the accused, charging them with failing to provide necessary safety equipment to the workers. According to the Sir J J Marg police, the case was registered based on a complaint filed by Constable Dhanraj Jhipru Mahale (52) at the Sir J J Marg Police Station. The accused have been booked under Sections 106(1), 125, and 3(5) of the BNS Act. Following the registration of the case, both were taken into custody.
A police official stated that the basement of the under-construction Bismillah Space building on Dimtimkar Road had been sealed for a long time. Without conducting a prior safety inspection, the accused ordered the workers to enter the underground water tank for cleaning. The workers were not provided with any protective gear, which ultimately led to their suffocation and death.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the workers experienced breathing difficulties due to a lack of oxygen inside the tank. As a result, Haseebul Sheikh (19), Raja Sheikh (20), Jiullah Sheikh (36), and Imandu Sheikh (38) lost their lives, while another worker, Purhan Sheikh (31), was severely injured and is currently undergoing treatment at Sir J J Hospital.
Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
