Family demands action against contractor

CCTV footage has revealed that an uneven stretch of road led to the death of 34-year-old Kharghar resident Shilpa Puri on Saturday evening.

The footage shows that the Activa Puri was riding on, slipped on the uneven stretch of road near Utsav Chowk. Puri fell on road and was run over by hydraulic crane that was behind her.

Puri’s family has vowed to approach the police to demand immediate action against the contractor of the road. Amit Puri, the husband of the deceased, said: “It has been just two days since the accident and I am yet to recover from the shock of her loss. I don’t know how, but I will ensure that my wife gets justice.”

Puri, who was a trainer with a VLCC branch in Nerul, was on her way home to Advance Galaxy CHS at Sector 20 in Kharghar when the accident took place. Her husband ran a catering business and their 11-year-old daughter and six-year-old son stayed her parents at Sector 10 in Kharghar till they returned from work.

Rajesh Soni, a Chembur-based businessman and relative of the Puri family, said: “On Sunday, she planned to clean the house for Diwali. So before leaving work she informed her mother that she won’t be coming to pick up the children. The children still don’t know what happened to their mother. We will urge the police to take action against the contractor. No one else should lose their life. No family should be left shattered like this. If needed, we will knock the doors of the courts as well.”

On Monday, all 12 corporators in Kharghar met Senior Police Inspector Dilip Kale and demanded that action be taken against CIDCO. Leena Garad, a corporator, said, “CIDCO is responsible for maintaining all roads in Kharghar. It should have ensured that the roads were properly levelled.”

Netra Patil, another corporator, said: “There is a height difference of at least six inches between the asphalt road and concrete road. That is why Puri’s bike skid. Mr. Kale has said that they have written to CIDCO officials and are awaiting their reply.”

The Swachh Kharghar Manch has organised a candlelight march at 8 p.m. on Tuesday from the accident spot near Utsav Chowk to the CIDCO office to show their support to the family and demand justice for Puri.

Mr. Kale said, “A case could be registered against the contractor. The crane driver has already been arrested in the case.”