KALYAN: The Khadakpada police have registered a case against five individuals, including contractors and a site supervisor, in connection with the death of social media reel star Prem Sohan Bhati. He was killed in a road accident near the Mohane NRC gate in Kalyan earlier this year.
Accused Identified
The accused have been identified as Nikki Motwani, owner of M/s Alka Mazur Kamgar Sanstha; subcontractors Mahesh Kaluram Bhoir and Dhanesh Shripat Patil; site supervisor Deepak Mahendrapratap Pandey; and other unidentified persons associated with the roadwork project. The FIR was registered following a complaint lodged by Bhati's brother, Jitu Sohan Bhati.
Incident Details
According to police, Prem Bhati, 32, had gone to Yogidham in Kalyan East on the night of the incident to drop his wife at her parental home. After having dinner there, he was returning to his residence in Mohane's Shivnagar area on his motorcycle. Shortly before midnight, while passing the Mohane NRC gate stretch, his motorcycle allegedly skidded on loose gravel that had been dumped on the roadside for an ongoing gutter repair project. The project was being carried out by contractors engaged by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).
Hazardous Conditions
Investigators said the gravel had not been stored safely and had spread onto the carriageway due to continuous vehicular movement on the busy road. The loose stones allegedly created a hazardous condition for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders.
CCTV footage surfaced showing Bhati reportedly lost control of his motorcycle after hitting the gravel, causing the vehicle to skid for several metres. He suffered severe head and limb injuries and was rushed to hospital by local residents and motorists. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Negligence Alleged
Police said the contractors allegedly failed to install adequate barricades, warning signs or other safety measures at the work site. Based on the findings, a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death due to negligence and endangering public safety. Further investigation is underway.
