Navi Mumbai: Electric shock incident near Nerul bridge sparks civic row

Several VIPs visited the hospital to check on the girls. PICS/ABHITASH SINGH

Nearly 24 hours after two college students suffered an electric shock while walking through a waterlogged stretch beneath Nerul's LP Bridge, their condition was said to have improved, but the incident has snowballed into a major civic controversy. While the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has promised action against officials over alleged negligence, political leaders have demanded accountability.

Damaged cable responsible

As per preliminary findings, the incident occurred after the insulation of an outgoing cable connected to an NMMC streetlight electricity network was damaged. Rainwater is suspected to have come in contact with the exposed cable, electrifying the waterlogged stretch beneath the LP Bridge where the students were walking.

VIP visitors stream in

On Thursday afternoon, a steady stream of VIP visitors, including NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil, Health Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre, Health Committee Chairman Dr Jayaji Nath, and other civic officials, was seen at Fortis Hospital in Vashi, enquiring with doctors about the health of the students - Shubhangi Subhash Walkhande, and Ujwala Laxman Wagh. However, mediapersons were not allowed at the hospital.

Official Speak

Manda Mhatre, BJP MLA
‘The incident appears to have occurred due to the negligence of MSEDCL and NMMC officials. Those responsible must face action. This issue should not be politicised. The priority should be ensuring proper treatment for both students. I will raise this matter during the Winter Session and will also seek compensation for the two girls.'

Sujata Patil, NMMC mayor
‘I met both the girls, and according to the doctors, they are out of danger. This is a very unfortunate incident. We will not spare anyone found responsible. Action will be initiated against officials of both the NMMC and MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd) if supervisory negligence is established.'

Parent Speak

Subhash Walkhande, Shubhangi's father
‘The doctors informed the mayor in front of us that my daughter is now out of danger. They have advised that she should remain admitted for another five days for observation. We were also assured by the mayor that NMMC will bear the entire cost of her treatment. At least we don't have to worry about the hospital bills at this difficult time.'

Kausabai Wagh, Ujwala's mother
‘Doctors say she is okay, and everyone is telling me not to worry. I only pray to god that my daughter walks out of this hospital safely. My daughter and Shubhangi had just got down from an autorickshaw. They tried to walk through a spot where there was less water, but both of them suddenly received an electric shock and collapsed. People nearby immediately rushed them to DY Patil Hospital. From there, they were shifted to Fortis.'

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