Kalyan Civic Body to Pay Rs 6 Lakh Compensation to Family of Boy Who Died After Falling Into Open Manhole

The Bombay High Court was informed on Tuesday that the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) will provide Rs 6 lakh compensation to the family of a 13-year-old boy who tragically died after slipping into an uncovered manhole during this year’s monsoon. The civic body told the court that the compensation amount has already been sanctioned and will be disbursed within two weeks.

A division bench comprising Justices Sandesh D. Patil and Revati Mohite-Dere was also informed that KDMC has identified the individual responsible for leaving the manhole open and that appropriate action will be initiated against the offender. “At least a start has been made and one person has been compensated. We expect others to follow suit and that it is done expeditiously,” the bench remarked.

The victim, Ayush Kadam, a Class 8 student of Swami Vivekanand School, fell into an uncovered chamber of the Bharat Bhoir nullah on September 28, 2025. Ayush had been playing with his friends near the drain when he slipped and was swept away by the strong current. Despite attempts by one of his companions to rescue him, the effort proved unsuccessful.

The court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Ruju Thakkar, who argued that authorities have repeatedly failed to comply with previous High Court orders directing the installation of safety nets over all manholes across Maharashtra. Thakkar informed the bench that between January and October 2025, 18 people died in pothole-related accidents in Thane district alone.

Taking serious note of these fatalities, the bench directed authorities to place on record the actions taken in each of the 18 incidents. The judges highlighted that road maintenance in Thane is divided among multiple agencies, which contributes to poor accountability. They also criticised the deteriorating state of roads in the region.

Justice Mohite-Dere remarked, “When we go to Uttan, it is difficult to reach the toll naka. It is impossible,” pointing to the severe neglect of road infrastructure. Justice Patil echoed these concerns and said that traffic congestion on Ghodbunder Road has become unbearable. “Ghodbunder is even worse. All commercial vehicles travel from Gujarat to the port along this route. Something needs to be done,” he observed.

The bench scheduled the next hearing of the petitions for December 15, directing officials to furnish detailed compliance and action-taken reports before the next session.