Deceased cabbie’s friend blames safety lapses, missing barriers, demolition work for mishap that led to his demise; Preliminary findings suggest negligence at a nearby under-construction bridge may have contributed to the accident.
The taxi that fell off the Bhaucha Dhakka ferry wharf in Mazagaon. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Precisely 16 days after a taxi fell off the Bhaucha Dhakka ferry wharf, killing 63-year-old driver Jayprakash Chhotelal Sharma, the Yellow Gate police registered an FIR on November 29 against two construction-site officials. Preliminary findings suggest negligence at a nearby under-construction bridge may have contributed to the accident.
The incident occurred late on November 13 near the new fish jetty. The stretch reportedly lacked barricades, warning signs, and reflectors despite ongoing demolition work. The route is heavily used by taxis, trucks, and harbour workers, particularly in the evening.
Jayprakash Sharma, the deceased
Sharma, a veteran Mumbadevi-based taxi driver with over 40 years of experience, drove towards the wharf unaware that a part of the jetty had been removed. His taxi plunged into the sea. Fishermen aboard the Indrayani boat alerted police and helped pull him out. He was rushed to Sir JJ Hospital, where he was declared dead. The Mandvi fire brigade later retrieved the submerged taxi.
The FIR names two officials of the construction company — Project Operations Head Satish Satyanarayan Maladi and Site Safety Officer Mahesh Shivaji Sawant — for failing to ensure safety at the site. Sharma’s friend, Dharmendra Dubey, said, “He didn’t drink, had no eyesight problems. Simple barricades could have prevented this.”
A senior officer said CCTV footage and technical inspections are now underway. “We are examining whether safety provisions required at an active construction site were ignored. Further legal sections may be added depending on the findings,” the officer told. Sharma, the primary provider for his family, is survived by his wife, a son, and four daughters. His family has demanded strict action against those responsible.
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