Monsoon Fury Claims 3 Lives in MMR: Mumbai Man Falls Into Open Manhole, Two Electrocuted in Thane

Last Updated:July 02, 2026, 22:37 IST

These deaths raised concerns over safety, with recurring incidents involving open manholes, exposed live wires and waterlogging once again highlighting risks faced by residents.

At least three people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Thursday as relentless monsoon showers disrupted normal life, flooded roads and once again exposed glaring gaps in civic infrastructure and public safety.

Mumbai and neighbouring Thane witnessed heavy rainfall throughout the day, inundating low-lying areas and severely affecting transport services. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), parts of Mumbai received more than 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with Bhandup and Santacruz recording nearly 239 mm.

Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole

The first tragedy unfolded in Mumbai’s Chandivali area, where 55-year-old Aslam Easaf Shaikh lost his life after accidentally falling into an open stormwater drainage manhole on Khairani Road.

CCTV footage captured the chilling moment when Shaikh, who was speaking on his mobile phone, walked past a parked tempo before suddenly disappearing into the uncovered manhole. The cover had reportedly been removed by three contractual workers carrying out drainage maintenance.

The workers immediately lowered a ladder into the drain in an attempt to rescue him but could recover only his umbrella and slippers. The strong flow of rainwater swept Shaikh away, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. His body was recovered nearly three hours later.

The incident, Mumbai’s second rain-related death this week, sparked widespread outrage over civic negligence. In response, the BMC suspended four officials and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

17-Year-Old Girl Electrocuted in Mumbra

In another tragedy, a 17-year-old girl died after allegedly suffering an electric shock from rainwater in Mumbra, Thane district.

The victim, identified as Aaliya, was a resident of Yasmin Park. According to preliminary information, she had stepped out of her residential building when she came into contact with rainwater that had allegedly become electrified.

She collapsed after receiving a severe electric shock and was rushed to a nearby hospital by family members and local residents. Doctors, however, declared her dead on arrival.

Police have registered the case and launched an investigation to determine how electric current entered the rainwater and whether negligence by any agency contributed to the incident.

24-Year-Old Woman Dies After Stepping Into Electrified Water

Hours later, another electrocution claimed the life of a 24-year-old woman in Kalyan-Dombivli, also in Thane district.

The victim, Shashi Rahul Chakr, had gone out to buy food and household essentials for her two young children when she allegedly stepped into water that had become live after a snapped electricity wire fell onto the road during heavy rain. She died on the spot.

The incident occurred in the Tilak Nagar police station area of Kalyan-Dombivli East and triggered anger among local residents, who alleged that the tragedy could have been prevented had the damaged power line been removed promptly or electricity supply to the area been switched off.

Residents blamed the electricity department for negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The tragedy also took a controversial turn after the victim’s husband, Rahul Chakr, alleged that a police personnel demanded “kharcha-paani" while legal formalities were being completed at the hospital.

Tilak Nagar Senior Police Inspector Pankaj Bhalerao denied the allegation, saying the constable had only informed the family about the prescribed mortuary storage charges, as the body was to be kept for two days before being taken to the family’s native village.

“Our duty is to help the victim’s family. Why would the police ask a poor family for money? If any such allegation is found to be true, an inquiry will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken," he said.

The three deaths in a single day have intensified concerns over public safety during the monsoon, with recurring incidents involving open manholes, exposed electrical infrastructure and waterlogging once again highlighting the risks faced by residents across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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