BMC Directed to Inspect Mumbai Ganesh Idol Routes After Fatal Accident
MUMBAI — Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to inspect all roads used for the arrival and transportation of Ganesh idols across Mumbai within 24 hours. The directive followed a Saturday accident in Bhuleshwar in which two people died and seven others sustained injuries when the 22-foot 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' idol fell during its arrival procession.
Shelar announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured. He stated that the exact cause of the collapse and responsibility for it would be determined following an official inquiry. The Lokmanya Tilak Marg police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the incident.
Shelar warned that strict action would be taken if any administrative lapse was uncovered. He instructed the BMC to immediately assess road conditions along idol transport routes, execute required repairs, and implement safety measures in coordination with the police and local Ganesh mandals.
Following the collapse, Shelar met with office-bearers of the Bhuleshwaracha Raja Ganesh Mandal and visited the Chandanwadi Crematorium to pay last respects to the deceased, identified as mandal president Sanket Nevashe and Brijesh Joshi. Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was also present. Nevashe was an upa vibhag pramukh of the Shiv Sena.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and South Mumbai MP Arvind Sawant visited the site. Shinde directed officials to move all injured victims to a private hospital, confirming that the party would cover their medical expenses. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also conveyed his condolences.
According to a senior police officer, the 22-foot idol had been secured to a frame with an iron rod to support its weight, but the welding gave way and caused the structure to collapse. The officer stated that eyewitness accounts confirmed the welding failure, noting that there were no potholes on the road.
