Indore: The municipal commissioner and collector are expected to present their actions taken against the individuals responsible for the tragic Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple Bawri accident in Patel Nagar. Their response is required in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which claims that the collector and municipal commissioner have been evading accountability in addressing the matter.
Although simple measures have been taken against the building officer and the building inspector, the petition’s hearing was delayed due to time constraints in the court. On March 30, 2023, a devastating incident occurred at the Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple Bawri, claiming the lives of 36 individuals, including the elderly, young adults, and children. This unfortunate accident occurred during Ram Navami’s celebration and garnered national attention. A large gathering of devotees had assembled at the site to perform a havan ritual in honor of the occasion.
The site of the havan featured an ancient bawdi (stepwell) that had been closed off with a slab for many years. Regrettably, those participating in the havan were unaware of the old bawdi beneath the surface. Suddenly, during the havan, the slab covering the bawdi collapsed, causing those engaged in the ritual to fall into the well. While some individuals were successfully rescued, the bodies of 36 victims could only be recovered from the bawdi.
Former councilor Dilip Kaushal, represented by senior advocate Dr. Manoharlal Dalal and advocate Lokendra Joshi, filed a petition regarding this tragic incident. The petition would highlight the potential accident prevention if the municipal authorities took timely action. It asserts that the municipal corporation was aware of the closed bawdi yet failed to take appropriate measures to ensure its safety. The petition demands strict accountability for the officials responsible for this unfortunate incident.
It is now crucial for the municipal commissioner and collector to address the court and provide details of their actions against the responsible individuals, as demanded by the PIL. This case serves as a reminder of the need for effective measures and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.