Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed penalties totaling Rs 1.25 crore on contractor J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd and project management consultant Asystem STUP for alleged safety lapses and failure to comply with mandatory accident reporting protocols following the death of a 19-year-old labourer at the under-construction Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project, which is intended to link Atal Setu, near KEM Hospital in Parel.
Details of the Incident
The deceased, Ravi Giri, a native of Nepal who resided in Sewri, worked as a daily-wage labourer engaged by the contractor. The accident occurred around 12:15 am on Tuesday, May 5, during the shifting of heavy iron frames using a crane along Acharya Donde Marg. Ravi sustained severe injuries after being struck by a suspended iron frame and was later declared dead at KEM Hospital.
Reporting Lapses
According to sources, MMRDA was displeased that despite the fatal accident occurring shortly after midnight, neither the contractor nor the project management consultant informed the authority for more than 20 hours. Officials stated that the authority learned about the incident through media reports rather than the mandatory institutional reporting mechanism, prompting a serious view of the lapse.
Sources indicated that contractors and PMCs are required under MMRDA's safety standard operating procedures to immediately report serious incidents, including fatalities, and ensure transparent escalation to the authority. Preliminary findings pointed to gross negligence in maintaining prescribed safety standards and complying with mandatory reporting obligations, officials said.
MMRDA's Statement
"MMRDA's safety protocols clearly mandate immediate reporting and escalation of any serious incident occurring at project sites. Any attempt to delay, suppress, or bypass institutional reporting mechanisms is viewed with utmost seriousness. The Authority has identified significant lapses in safety compliance, supervision, and reporting responsibility on the part of both the contractor and the PMC. Strict action has therefore been initiated to reinforce accountability and ensure such failures are not repeated," an MMRDA official said.
MMRDA officials noted that the delay in reporting constituted a serious violation of contractual obligations and established safety escalation protocols. The authority subsequently imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on J Kumar Infraprojects and Rs 25 lakh on Asystem STUP.
Police Investigation
According to the FIR filed by Bhoiwada police, Ravi and a co-worker had shifted two iron frames before returning to transport the remaining load. While the crane was moving another set of frames from near the hospital gate towards Parel TT, the suspended load allegedly became unstable near the hospital circle and swung into Ravi, striking him on the chest and abdomen.
Police have booked crane operator Mohammad Anas Sheikh (25) for alleged negligent handling of equipment. Investigators stated that the load was not adequately secured or controlled during movement, leading to the fatal impact. Police also cited supervisory lapses, noting that designated site supervisor Anil Shivdayal Giri (32) was allegedly absent.
Compensation Concerns
Ravi's father alleged that neither the contractor nor authorities had provided any assurance regarding compensation even hours after the fatal accident.
