PIL In Bombay High Court Seeks Action Against Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde & Others Over Heatstroke Tragedy At Kharghar Award Event

An advocate has approached the Bombay High court seeking CBI investigation into the deaths of 14 people allegedly due to heatstroke and stampede during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony held at Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar on April 16.

The PIL seeks criminal action for culpable homicide and attempt to murder against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and 10 others who were present at the event.

The PIL claimed the event was a “waste of public money” and apart from Shinde and Fadnavis, awardee Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, a social activist and reformer, should also be held responsible for the tragedy and should either return the award. Moreover, the Rs 25 lakh he received should be returned or taken away from him by the state government.

The PIL also seeks a direction to the Director General of Police (DGP) to take criminal action against the subordinates who failed to take steps against the errant officials. The PIL also sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to those injured.

The petition is filed by lawyer Shaila Jitendra Kanthe through advocate Nitin Satpute and states they approached the High Court as the police failed to take cognisance.

The PIL will be mentioned tomorrow.