The heavy rains that lashed Mumbai on Wednesday, September 25, took a tragic turn when a 45-year-old woman, identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad, drowned in an overflowing nullah in Andheri. The incident occurred around 9:20 pm near gate no. 8 of MIDC in Andheri East.
Despite being rushed to Cooper Hospital by local police and the fire brigade, Gaikwad was declared dead on arrival. Her husband, devastated by the loss, shared with NDTV that his wife was the sole breadwinner of their family. He expressed his grief and anger, stating, “I am a sick man, my wife used to take care of my house. We have lost everything, I want that whoever is at fault should be punished. We have lodged an FIR.”
The tragedy has prompted a strong reaction from authorities. Mumbai Police has filed a case against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a contractor for negligence, alleging their actions contributed to the woman’s death. Adding to the scrutiny, the BMC has announced a high-level investigation into the incident, forming a three-member committee led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar (Zone 3). This committee, which also includes Mumbai fire brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar and Chief Engineer (Vigilance) Avinash Tambewagh, is expected to submit its report within three days.
The incident underscores the severe impact of the heavy rains on Mumbai. The city witnessed widespread disruption, with commuters stranded, train services canceled, and schools closed. Videos and images circulating online show the city submerged in knee-deep water, partially engulfing vehicles. The heavy rainfall has also been linked to other tragic incidents, with reports of two laborers killed by lightning in Kalyan and another woman drowning near a waterfall in Khopoli.
As Mumbai recovers from the deluge, the incident in Andheri serves as a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerability to flooding and the importance of effective infrastructure and preparedness measures. The investigation into the woman’s death is likely to shed light on the shortcomings in the city’s drainage system and the role of the BMC in ensuring public safety during extreme weather events.
