Mumbai, July 2 -- Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Thursday termed the death of a man after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai's Sakinaka area a "mistake on the administration's part" and announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's family.

The Mayor took a stern stand against the civic officials, demanding the immediate suspension of the Ward Officer and suggesting that charges of "culpable homicide" be filed against those responsible for the negligence.

"The incident that has occurred here is deeply unfortunate... Although the manhole was originally covered, work was undertaken to remove it and install a safety grate. Given the administration's 'Red Alert' status and the accumulation of water, pedestrians would not have...