Pune: PMC Standing Committee Chief Bhimale Seeks Rs 6 Lakh Compensation for 10-Year-Old Killed in Sus-Mhalunge Road Accident

Pune, 24th August 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale has asked Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to initiate an immediate process to pay Rs 6 lakh compensation to the family of a 10-year-old boy who died in a road accident on the Sus-Mhalunge road.

Viraj Patole, a resident of Maan, was riding pillion on his father Sandeep’s two-wheeler along with his sister when a truck brushed against the vehicle. The father lost balance and all three fell. Viraj was run over by the truck and died.

In a letter to the civic commissioner, Bhimale said the PMC should suo motu place the case before the committee concerned instead of waiting for a complaint and initiate the compensation process if the child’s death is found to have been caused by the pothole.

Bhimale cited a Bombay High Court order dated October 13, 2025, under which legal heirs of people killed due to potholes or open drains are entitled to Rs 6 lakh compensation. Compensation can also be paid to those injured, depending on the nature of their injuries.

Under the court’s directions, the local civic body must pay the compensation initially and can subsequently recover the amount from the officer, engineer or contractor found responsible after an inquiry.

Bhimale also called for an inquiry to identify the department responsible for maintaining the road and fix accountability for the unrepaired pothole. He suggested a simplified, separate mechanism for processing compensation claims arising from pothole-related accidents.

“The PMC is responsible for ensuring safe roads. When there is a clear court order, the victim’s family should not be made to wait for relief,” Bhimale said.