Bhayandar: the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has officially taken cognizance of the tragic death of 11-year-old Granth Mutha, who drowned in the municipal swimming pool in the Late Gopinath Munde Sports Complex in Bhayandar East on April 20, 2025.

MSHRC has issued formal notices to both the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma and the police commissioner Madhukar Pandey, directing them to submit a comprehensive action-taken report within eight weeks. They have also been ordered to appear in person before the Commission during the scheduled hearing on August 19.

This action follows a complaint filed by Advocate Krishna Gupta, a social activist. “This is a small but crucial step toward justice. The child’s death was not just a tragic accident—it was a consequence of systemic negligence and institutional apathy,” said Adv. Gupta.

Despite an internal MBMC inquiry report—submitted nearly a month ago—recommending the termination of the contractor’s license and action against civic officials, no concrete disciplinary steps have been taken yet. The private firm, Sahas Charitable Trust, had been tasked with managing the pool and was found negligent by the three-member committee led by Additional Commissioner Sambhaji Panpatte.

Adding to the distress, the family has refused to accept the death certificate issued by MBMC, citing discrepancies that shift the place of death from the swimming pool to Thunga Hospital. The child’s mother has accused the administration of attempting to dilute the accountability of the civic body.