Pune: PMC Told To Pay ₹6 Lakh To Family Of Boy Killed In Pothole Accident

Pune's Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been ordered to pay ₹6 lakh in compensation to the family of a 10-year-old boy, Viraj Patole, who tragically died in a road accident. The incident occurred when the motorcycle Viraj was riding on, along with his father and sister, lost balance due to a pothole on Sus-Mhalunge Road. The PMC Standing Committee chairman, Shrinath Bhimale, instructed Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram to commence the compensation process without awaiting a complaint from the grieving family.

Bhimale emphasized that the PMC should take immediate action and present the case to the appropriate committee.

The unfortunate accident happened when a truck struck their two-wheeler, causing all three individuals to fall. The truck then crushed Viraj under its wheels. The family, hailing from the Maan area, resides in Pune. Bhimale also called for an inquiry to determine the agency responsible for road maintenance and hold accountable the responsible officer, engineer, or contractor for neglecting to repair the hazardous pothole.

According to him, the municipal corporation has an obligation to ensure safe roads, and the victim's family should not be left without assistance when clear court orders are in place.

The compensation order follows a Bombay High Court ruling that local authorities are obligated to provide initial compensation to families of individuals who die due to potholes or open drains. The amount can subsequently be recovered from the officials or contractors responsible for the damages.