Sole breadwinner, Ganpati organiser: Night meant for Ganeshotsav preparations leaves 2 families grieving

On Saturday night, Brijesh Joshi, a 33-year-old resident of Bhuleshwar, was caught under the wreckage of a 22-foot tall Ganesh idol that collapsed during preparations for the Ganeshotsav festival. The tragedy left behind his two-year-old son, who is now asking where his father is. The other victim, Sanket Nevshe, a 30-year-old businessman and Shiv Sena subdivision head, was also killed.

Nevshe was deeply involved in organising the local Ganpati celebrations. Both men were trapped under the idol for nearly two hours before they were rescued. The fatal collapse occurred around 9:51 pm, following a cracking sound and the fall of a Plaster of Paris idol. Five others, including two children, were treated for minor injuries.

Nevshe's mother and sister are left to grieve. Joshi's brother expressed his family's distress, demanding compensation for their son's future. The incident has prompted State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar to direct the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inspect transport routes for idols and ensure safety measures.

The police are investigating the cause, suspected to be improper welding of the idol's iron rod, and the BMC is urged to take immediate action.