Nearly a month after a tree from a construction site in Khar West fell on an auto-rickshaw, killing 14-year-old Aarika Shrivastav and seriously injuring Harshita Kumar, the Khar police are yet to take action against the accused.
Following Aarika’s death on May 17 during treatment, police invoked Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Bluestone Constructions and the third-party agency supervising work at the project site. However, police said the investigation is still underway.
A police officer said Bluestone had awarded the work to a contractor, who further assigned it to a third-party agency. “We are investigating the matter and will take action against those found responsible,” the officer said.
Bluestone Cites Possible Internal Decay In Tree
However, Bluestone reiterates that preliminary observations, including the company’s internal assessment, indicate the possibility of concealed internal decay within the tree, including severe termite-related weakening, despite there being no visible external signs of structural vulnerability. The project is a fully approved development initiative being executed strictly in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Bluestone said in a statement that at this stage, any conclusion regarding causation of the incident would be premature and speculative.
Injured Victim Shows Signs Of Recovery
Meanwhile, Harshita Kumar (21), the second victim in the incident, has been shifted from the ICU to a general ward and is showing signs of recovery. She has been transferred to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital for neurorehabilitation and is now able to move her hands and take a few assisted steps. Doctors said she has fully regained her cognitive abilities and is steadily recovering.
Company Assures Support To Victims' Families
In a statement, Bluestone said it is fully cooperating with authorities and has shared all relevant records to facilitate a fair and transparent assessment. However, it refrained from commenting further as the matter is under investigation.
It added that its priority remains the well-being of the affected families and that it will continue to support Harshita’s recovery, including bearing all medical and related expenses until she fully recovers. The company also said its senior representatives have remained actively involved in assisting the affected families.
Tree Collapsed Onto Auto-Rickshaw On Linking Road
The incident occurred on May 10 near Rajkumar Jewellers on Linking Road in Khar West when a tree from the compound of a Bluestone project collapsed onto an auto-rickshaw carrying three passengers.
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