Opposition Targets Pune Mayor Over Yerawada Death Remarks; Nagpure Alleges Audio Clip Was Edited

Pune, 20th October 2026: Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure has come under criticism from opposition parties over her reported remarks following the death of a 69-year-old man who fell into an excavation dug for a sewer line in Yerawada. Nagpure, however, has claimed that the audio clip of her response that went viral on social media was edited.

The controversy erupted after an audio clip of the mayor’s response to a media query circulated online. In the clip, she is purportedly heard asking, “Am I a contractor? Did I push the man? Was I driving the autorickshaw?” Her remarks drew criticism, with opposition leaders accusing her of being insensitive towards the victim and his family.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar criticised Nagpure’s response, saying it was unbecoming of the city’s first citizen. He said such remarks, made when a family was grieving, reflected a lack of empathy.

Shiv Sena’s Pune unit announced plans to stage protests over alleged lapses in safety arrangements at public works sites. The party said responsibility for the tragedy should not be restricted to the contractor but should also extend to civic officials supervising the project.

Shiv Sena city chief Pramod Bhangire alleged irregularities in the drainage department and other public works, claiming that compromised quality and inadequate safety measures had put citizens at risk.

Meanwhile, BJP city chief Dheeraj Ghate said the party had taken up the matter with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and urged the civic administration to strictly enforce safety norms to prevent such incidents.

Responding to the controversy, Nagpure said the audio clip had been edited and circulated in a distorted form. She denied that the viral recording presented her response in its entirety.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of safety arrangements at civic excavation sites. The PMC has initiated action against the contractor involved in the Yerawada project, including the process to blacklist the firm and withdraw its ongoing works, following the fatal accident.