'Tree Falling Isn't In Anyone's Control': Minister's Remark On Mumbai Schoolboy Death Sparks Row

Last Updated:July 01, 2026, 16:32 IST

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat calls fatal Mumbai tree fall a natural event, sparking opposition outrage as BMC probe links nearby construction to the collapse.

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Wednesday sparked a political row with his remarks on the death of an 11-year-old boy who was killed after a roadside peepal tree fell on a school bus in Mumbai’s Chembur area.

The comments drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which accused the government of attempting to deflect responsibility over the tragedy.

Speaking to NDTV, Shirsat, the state’s Minister for Social Justice and a leader of Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, initially said the government would make a statement in the Assembly and had directed the civic body to ensure such incidents do not recur.

“Everyone is aware of the incident that took place yesterday. The government is set to make a statement regarding it in the House today, and instructions have also been issued to the corporation to ensure such incidents do not occur," he told.

‘Natural for trees to fall’

When questioned over the opposition’s allegation that the government’s claims of completing pre-monsoon preparations had been exposed by the incident, the minister made the remarks that triggered the controversy.

“A tree falling or lightning striking isn’t in anyone’s control. No one knows beforehand that a particular tree is about to fall," Shirsat said.

Pressed further over residents’ claims that tree audits had not been carried out properly, he defended the civic administration.

“No, that doesn’t happen. The work continues. It’s natural for trees to fall. Sometimes, there’s a strong wind and it falls," he said.

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