Mumbai: In yet another instance pointing to alleged safety and supervisory lapses at infrastructure project sites, a 19-year-old labourer was killed during construction of the Sewri–Worli connector being executed by MMRDA through contractor J Kumar Infraprojects near KEM Hospital in Parel early on Tuesday.The deceased, Ravi Giri, a native of Nepal, lived in Sewri with his father Anil Giri and worked as a daily wage labourer engaged by the contractor. His father alleged that neither the contractor nor authorities had given any assurance on compensation, even hours after the fatal incident.According to the FIR registered by Bhoiwada police, Ravi and a co-worker were assigned to transport heavy iron frames between pillars along Acharya Donde Marg using a crane. Around 11pm, they shifted two frames and returned to move the rest. Around 12.15am, while the crane was transporting the second set of frames from near the hospital gate towards Parel TT, the load allegedly became unstable. The suspended iron frame swung and struck Ravi on the chest and abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead around 3.05am.Police have booked crane operator Mohammad Sheikh (25) for alleged negligent handling of the equipment. Investigators said the load was not adequately secured or controlled during movement.Supervisory lapses have also been cited. Police said the designated site supervisor, Anil Shivdayal Giri (32), was not present at the site, raising questions over safety compliance during late-night operations. A case has been registered against both the operator and the supervisor for negligence. Officials said they are examining whether standard safety protocols for crane operations and handling of heavy materials were followed.The incident adds to recent infrastructure mishaps (see box). Responding to the latest mishap, MMRDA officials said they were ascertaining the exact sequence of events and would take action based on the findings. Police said further action will follow as the probe progresses.
