The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday suspended four officials, ordered a high-level inquiry and announced the blacklisting of a contractor within hours of a 55-year-old man drowning after allegedly falling into an unguarded manhole during civic work at Sakinaka. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide termed the incident a “grave oversight”, ordered a citywide inspection to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

Fire Brigade personnel carry out a rescue operation after Aslam Shaikh, 55 allegedly fell into an open manhole in Sakinaka, Andheri. Pic/PTI