Man Dies After Falling Into Open Drainage Pit In Ahmedabad: Municipality Denies Responsibility, Family To Seek Compensation
Ahmedabad: A 53-year-old man tragically lost his life last week after falling into a deep trench dug for drainage work in Odhav. The victim, identified as Manubhai Panchal, was riding his bike when he fell into the open pit, which had been left uncovered near the drainage section.
Locals say the pit was part of the Khari Cut Canal Project, where RCC ductwork was being carried out by the company RVNL. Residents allege that the barricades placed around the site had been washed away by rain nearly 15 days prior, and no replacements were installed. At the time of the accident, the drainage side of the trench was reportedly left completely exposed.
Manubhai Panchal is survived by his wife and a 22-year-old daughter. The grieving family is now preparing to file a compensation claim. However, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it bears no liability and will not offer compensation.
Municipal authorities have been investigating the incident for the past four days to determine whether proper barricading was in place at the site. Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded a police complaint be lodged against those responsible for the negligence.
According to Advocate Bharat Shah, President of the Ahmedabad Criminal Court Bar Association, the victim’s family has the right to file a compensation claim against the municipality under tort law. Under the law of torts, the victim or their legal heirs can claim damages from the municipality. However, a formal notice must be served to the municipal body, giving them 30 days to respond. If no resolution is reached, a civil suit can then be filed, he explained.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has raised serious questions about safety measures and accountability in ongoing public infrastructure projects.