Inspect Ganesh idol arrival routes within 24 hours: Shelar tells BMC

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

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.

Shelar warned that no one would be spared if any administrative lapse was found. 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.

“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. All aspects of the incident will become clear through the inquiry,” Shelar said.

“I spoke personally with the BMC commissioner last night. The BMC has been directed to immediately inspect the condition of the routes used for Ganesh idol arrivals across Mumbai. Discussions have been held with the BMC commissioner, and instructions have been issued to take immediate action within the next 24 hours regarding the condition of roads along these routes, necessary repairs and safety measures,” Shelar said.

“The BMC had earlier held various meetings and issued necessary instructions. 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. Two of our Ganesh volunteers have lost their lives in this accident. On behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, I offer my heartfelt tribute to them. I pray to Lord Ganesha for the speedy recovery of the injured Ganesh volunteers,” Shelar said.

Shelar also urged Ganesh mandals to exercise greater caution while transporting idols, particularly regarding the trolleys used to carry idols, wheel designs, iron components and vibrations generated during transportation. “I appeal to all Ganesh devotees and mandals to strictly follow the instructions issued by the police,” he said.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Legislative Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, South Mumbai MP Arvind Sawant and minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited the spot. CM Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his condolences. Shinde directed his office-bearers to shift all the injured to a private hospital and said the Sena would bear the expenses. Nevashe, the mandal president, was an upa vibhag pramukh of the Shiv Sena.

The Lokmanya Tilak Marg police have registered a case of accidental death in the matter.

A senior police officer said the idol had been fixed to a frame with an iron rod to support the heavy weight of the large-scale statue, which had not been welded properly and came off. “We spoke to several eyewitnesses who were there and they told us that the welding had come off,” the officer said. The officer said there were no potholes on the road and added that the police were currently conducting an investigation.