A death, cops, warnings from locals fail to keep visitors from risking their lives at Bandstand
Visitors are sneaking into the sea via narrow lanes of the slum, Ganesh Nagar, as entries are closed
A week back, a 32-year-old woman drowned while posing for a photograph against the rough sea waves at Bandstand, Bandra. Neither the horrifying visuals of the tragic incident nor the cops’ caution have been able to keep visitors away from the seashores. Despite main entrances to the seashore closed at Bandstand, people were seen venturing into the sea and taking pictures atop rocks and tripods, which have become slippery, over the weekend. They have found new routes through the slum pockets, said local residents and cops. More than 20,000 visitors were seen in the rough sea on Saturday and Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Police teams along with eight lifeguards have been manning the Bandstand since the July 9 incident. However, this correspondent spotted people sneaking in from Ganesh Nagar, a slum pocket built right on the seashore, over the weekend. He also witnessed an incident wherein a cop slapped a man, who was busy clicking selfies, after he refused to budge. The cop then dragged him to the police van.
Ganesh Nagar, which faces actor Shah Rukh Khan’s bungalow Mannat and Taj Lands End, is home to hundreds of families who have been living there for many decades. There are five to six entry points to this slum.
Laxmi D'Souza, a resident of Ganesh Nagar, said, "Police are not allowing visitors because the rocks have become slippery. Many accidents happened in the past as well and people have lost their lives too. Yet, people don't understand the dangers.”
"Most of the visitors are entering into the sea from our slum, even though we are warning people about the risks. Many start arguing with us when stopped. Having lived here, we know how slippery the rocks become and how people slip and drown when a big wave hits,” D'Souza added.
API Ajay Kamble of Bandra police station said, "We have deployed two constables at Bandstand to prevent people from stepping on the rocks. The DCP has planned to install warning boards at this place, informing people of dangers at the seashore." On July 9, Jyoti Sonar, her husband Mukesh Sonar and their children had come to Bandstand to make fond memories. But, their family trip ended with the death of Jyoti, who was pulled away by strong waves that crashed onto the couple as they sat on a rock.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
