Inspect Ganesh idol arrival routes within 24 hours: Shelar
MUMBAI, Aug. 24 -- A day after two people died and seven others were injured when a 22-foot Ganesh idol fell on them during the arrival ceremony of the 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' on Saturday, state cultural affairs minister and Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday directed BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide to inspect all roads used for the arrival and transportation of Ganesh idols across Mumbai within 24 hours.
Shelar warned that no one would be spared if any administrative lapse was found. He also announced financial assistance of Rs.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs.1 lakh each to those injured in the accident.
Shelar said the exact cause of the accident and responsibility for it would be established after the inquiry. The police are investigating the incident and should be allowed to carry out their probe, he said.
"Determining who was at fault and what exactly caused the accident is a matter for the inquiry. The police are investigating the case and should be allowed to carry out their work. All aspects of the incident will become clear through the inquiry," Shelar said.
However, stressing the need to prevent such incidents in the future, Shelar directed the BMC to immediately inspect routes used for transporting Ganesh idols and ensure close coordination among the civic administration, police and Ganesh mandals.
"I spoke personally with the BMC commissioner last night and instructions have been issued to take immediate action within the next 24 hours regarding the condition of roads along these routes, necessary repairs and safety measures," Shelar said.
The Lokmanya Tilak Marg police have registered a case of accidental death in the matter.
A senior police officer said the idol had been fixed to a frame with an iron rod to support the heavy weight of the large-scale statue, which had not been welded properly and came off. "We spoke to several eyewitnesses who were there and they told us that the welding had come off," the officer said. The officer said there were no potholes on the road....
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