Pune: Four arrested after eight laborers die during tunnel construction

Two days after eight labourers working on the construction of a tunnel as part of the government's Neera-Bhima river-linking project in Pune district died after a crane crashed, the police arrested four people in the matter on Wednesday. According to sources, a case of negligence has been registered against the security in-charge of Soma Enterprises Company, Rambahadur Rama Asarepal; mechanical engineer Naveenkumar Ravidutt Sharma; manager Muralikrishna Shivajirao Mehardara and another official Shridhar Valeshwarroa Vejadla, at Bhigwan police station.

A case of negligence has been registered against all the four accused

Speaking to mid-day, Nishikant Rathod, assistant police inspector of Bhigwan police station, said, "During investigation we realised that it was a case of negligence and that there were security lapses. The concerned people should have taken appropriate measures to ensure that the workers were safe." Another police officer said, "As the machine had not been repaired since a very long time, it might be one of the reasons behind the incident. However, the investigation is still going on. Villagers and family members of the deceased are of the opinion that the owner of the company should also be booked in the case. We have sought legal opinion, based on which we will take further action. The four arrested accused were produced before the court of judicial magistrate (first class) in Indapur and sent to two days of police custody."

When contacted, Saurabh Rao, collector, said, "The incident is quite serious, hence, we have written a letter to our superiors requesting them to provide financial assistance to the deceased's family members."

8 Total number of workers who died in the incident

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