Pune: “If There Are Roads, Accidents Will Happen”: MLA’s Remark Sparks Outrage After Child’s Death in Mahalunge

Pune, 18th August 2026: NCP MLA Shankar Mandekar’s reported remark that “if there are roads, accidents will happen” has triggered outrage among residents in Mahalunge, who confronted him over the condition of local roads during his visit to the accident site on Tuesday. The remark, made a day after an 11-year-old boy was killed in a road accident, was criticised as insensitive by residents and others present at the spot.

Mandekar, who represents Bhor-Velhe-Mulshi, was questioned by residents over alleged administrative negligence and poor infrastructure. Residents claimed that repeated complaints about road conditions and safety had gone unaddressed and accused the administration of failing to prevent the tragedy.

The MLA also faced questions from journalists over his remark and was accused of attempting to stop reporters from pursuing the issue during the interaction.

The controversy comes after the 11-year-old boy was killed in an accident in Mahalunge on Monday night while returning home from tuition with his father. Residents alleged that the poor condition of the road contributed to the accident and demanded immediate corrective measures.

Responding to the criticism, Mandekar said a case would be registered in connection with the accident. He also claimed that he had been raising the issue of the roads in the Maharashtra Assembly for the past two years.

“I have been raising questions about these roads in the Assembly for the last two years. We will meet Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar in Mumbai over this issue,” he said.

The incident has renewed questions over road safety and infrastructure in the area, with residents demanding accountability and urgent repairs.