MUMBAI: Four days after the tragedy at the Maharashtra Bhushan award event in Kharghar in which 14 persons died owing to a heatstroke and several others were admitted to hospitals, the state government announced a one-man committee to probe the incident.
The chief minister’s office (CMO) on Thursday issued a statement announcing the appointment of the one-member inquiry panel of additional chief secretary (revenue) Nitin Kareer. The committee will submit its report within a month, including recommendations on how to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. A formal government resolution about the probe is likely to be issued on Friday.
The Opposition had been pressing for a probe in the matter. The Maharashtra Bhushan award function to felicitate social worker Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was held at an open ground in Kharghar. People sat in the blazing sun during the function held during the morning hours on Sunday. The hot sun and absence of water and food resulted in the deaths of 14 persons.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said the unfortunate incident had put a blot on the entire (Maharashtra Bhushan) event. “Therefore, there must be an unbiased inquiry, else it will be a sham. What action will be taken against those who organised the event carelessly? Who were the contractors? How was the money utilised? Will action be taken against those who tried to misuse (Appasaheb’s) followers for politics?” he asked.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray said the incident should not be politicised though the event should not have been held in the morning.