Worker falls to death at building construction site near Hadapsar

Pune: Lalmohan Khurchali Ram, a 26-year-old construction worker, fell from the sixth floor of an under-construction building and died at Phursungi near Hadapsar, on October 27, once again exposing gaping holes in safety measures. The police on Tuesday booked the building contractor for negligence.

On Wednesday, sub-inspector Umakant Pune of Hadapsar police said Khurchali Ram was working when he lost balance and fell from a height of 70ft through a 4ft gap between the building and a safety net around it at 11.30am. He was not wearing a helmet or a safety belt.

Pune said the worker died of multiple injuries at a private hospital. The incident came to light after the police received a call from the hospital. Pune said, "As per the investigation, the contractor had failed to put in place security measures. The incident could have been averted had the contractor ensured that the worker was wearing a security belt."

He said, "We have talked to other workers and have assessed documents executed between the builder and the contractor. As per the agreement, the contractor will be liable in case of accidents."

The contractor has been charged with committing an offence under Section 304 (a) [causing death due to negligence] ofthe IPC.