India, July 4 -- The death of 55-year-old Aslam Isak Shaikh, who fell into an unguarded manhole during heavy rain on Thursday, echoed in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Friday, with Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap alleging that 4,446 manholes across Mumbai remain without protective safety nets or warning signs.

Raising the issue during the monsoon session, Jagtap demanded a detailed discussion on manhole safety, but Council chairperson Ram Shinde, from the BJP, rejected the request.

The issue has triggered sharp criticism of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Shaikh, a resident of Khairani Road, drowned after falling into an open manhole. The incident drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. Maharashtra Assembly ...