PONDA: In a grim discovery, the body of a missing local, Ravi Gaude, was found buried in an open trench near the truck parking area on Thursday night. The trench, measuring 1.5×1.5 in length and depth, with a width of one and a half feet, was left uncovered and proved to be a significant safety hazard.
Local authorities took action after receiving warnings from residents and subsequently barricaded the dangerous open trench. The adjacent truck parking area was also cleared as a precautionary measure. The police have registered the case as a hit-and-run incident.
Viraj Sapre, who had filed a police complaint about dangerous open pits eight days prior to the incident, expressed concern about the negligence on the part of authorities. He emphasised that officials should proactively address such safety issues before they lead to untoward incidents. Sapre pointed out that numerous open pits and trenches are created for development projects like laying electricity cables and natural gas lines, posing risks to the local population. He stressed the need for proper covering and signage, especially during power outages, to prevent such incidents. Sapre had previously filed a police complaint, urging authorities and the police to take prompt safety measures.
Sapre recalled a similar incident last year when a body was found in an open water supply valve chamber at Bethora Junction, pushing for safety measures to avoid tragic outcomes.
