Negligence towards worker safety proves fatal;

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Two workers, Vishal Ankush Chavan (26, resident of Jaybhavani Nagar) and Malkan Bapu Jadhav (35, resident near Vitthal temple, Mukundwadi), lost their lives after a cement mixer structure came in contact with hanging electricity wires during house construction. The incident occurred on April 12 afternoon in Misarwadi. Police have registered a case against house owner Najema Hamid Khan, her son-in-law and contractor Salim alias Guddu Shaikh, and Ravindra Chavan for causing death due to negligence.

Construction work was underway in a narrow lane at Najema’s house. On Salim’s instructions, Ravindra Chavan had hired workers. A pit was dug in the middle of the road to place a cement mixer trolley. Overhead, power lines of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) passed dangerously close to the automatic structure used to lift concrete to the slab.

Around 4 pm, when work paused due to shortage of sand and water, Vishal and Malkan went to remove material stuck in the lift. They came in contact with live wires and were thrown off, leading to their death.

Delay in filing complaint

It has been alleged that no safety measures or protective gear were provided to workers. As relatives delayed filing a complaint, police sub-inspector Nivrutti Gayke lodged the FIR. Constable Naser Shaikh is conducting further investigation.