Mira Road: An 11-year-old boy tragically drowned in the swimming pool of the Loknete Gopinath Munde Sports Complex, located in the Golden Nest area of Bhayandar East, on April 20.

The deceased was identified as Granth Hasmukh Mutha, a resident of Planetaria Complex, Bhayandar West. Granth was participating in a summer camp at the complex when the incident occurred. He was immediately rushed to Tunga Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The complex, operated under contract by a private agency on behalf of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), has come under severe scrutiny following the incident. Granth’s father, Hasmukh Mutha, squarely blamed the contractor and the civic body for negligence. 

“My son’s life could have been saved if proper safety measures had been in place,” said an emotional Mutha. 

“There was no lifeguard on duty when Granth drowned. How can you operate a swimming pool for children without basic safety personnel? This is not just negligence; this is criminal apathy,” he said.

Granth was not just another child. He had recently made the country proud by securing the top rank in a mathematics competition held in Singapore, where he solved a problem in just 26 seconds. His sudden demise has left his family, neighbours, and school community devastated.

In the aftermath of the drowning incident, local activist and Congress leader Deepak Bagri has filed a formal complaint with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission and the Thane District Child Welfare Committee. The complaint holds Deputy Commissioner Kalpita Pimple (sports department, MBMC) accountable for alleged gross negligence and dereliction of duty.

"This is not just a lapse, but a clear case of criminal negligence. The absence of lifeguards, poor maintenance, and lack of supervision from MBMC officials directly led to this preventable tragedy," he added.

“I demand that those truly accountable — the contractor and the MBMC officers overseeing this complex — be charged and the contract be cancelled immediately,” Mutha said. 

Social worker Pradeep Jangam, who has been actively supporting the Mutha family, echoed these concerns. “The safety lapses here are shocking. This isn’t just an unfortunate accident; it’s a result of systemic failure. We demand a full investigation and immediate action against all those responsible — from the contractor to the civic officials who turned a blind eye.”

The incident also triggered a protest by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who staged a symbolic funeral procession inside the municipal headquarters. Raising slogans like “Ram Naam Satya Hai, Contractor bada Mast Hai”, the protesters demanded criminal action against the contractor, sub-contractors, and negligent officers, warning of more intense agitation if no action is taken.

In response to the growing outcry, local MLA Narendra Mehta visited the grieving Mutha family and assured them of justice. “This is a grave tragedy. I stand with the Mutha family in this difficult time. Those who failed in their duty — be it the contractor or MBMC officers — will face consequences,” Mehta said.