'Tree Collapse Beyond Human Control': Maharastra Minister's Remark Sparks Outrage After 11-Year-Old's Death

Amid scenes of mourning and heartbreak at the funeral of 11-year-old Vihaan Srivastava, family members, neighbours and political leaders demanded accountability and a thorough investigation into the Chembur tree collapse that claimed the young boy's life.

Vihaan, the only child of his parents, was remembered as a cheerful, bright and affectionate child whose untimely death has left his family and the local community devastated.

Speaking to NDTV, Vihaan's grandfather, SN Srivastava, alleged that the tragedy was the result of negligence and could have been prevented.

"This is negligence. The tree was in a precarious condition and should have been removed. Residents had raised concerns earlier. Why was no action taken?" he said.

The family said that while nothing could undo their loss, those responsible must be held accountable.

"My grandson will not return, but justice should be done. Those responsible should be punished. Other children should not have to suffer because of such negligence," the grandfather said, adding that the family is considering filing a formal complaint. He also sought a thorough probe and criminal action if negligence is established.

Another relative, Anil Kumar Srivastava, questioned how authorities deal with hazardous trees and stressed the need for timely identification, pruning and removal of dangerous trees.

Remembering Vihaan, family members described him as a lively child who spread happiness wherever he went. They said he had a deep love for cricket and placed his cricket ball on the funeral pyre as a final tribute.

"He was our sunshine. He was very smart and loved cricket. We cremated him with his cricket ball because the game meant so much to him," a family member said.

Relatives also recalled his affectionate nature, saying he loved food and would often ask family members what they had eaten, a habit that endeared him to everyone around him.

Neighbours said the tragedy had shaken the entire locality, claiming residents had repeatedly complained about the condition of the tree before the accident but no action was taken.

As per reports in NDTV, Maharashtra Minister Bharat Gogawale said regular tree audits are conducted and maintained that the incident was a tragic accident, adding that trees can sometimes fall due to natural causes such as strong winds.

"However, we are deeply saddened by the incident that took place," he said.

Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Castro criticised the Minister's remarks, calling them "insensitive" and "shameful". He alleged that the tree audit had not been conducted properly and said inspections should be carried out before every monsoon.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said tree trimming had been carried out on the road where the accident occurred but alleged that local authorities had ignored repeated complaints from residents about the vulnerable tree.

She said the official responsible would be held accountable and assured financial and emotional support to the affected families.

Residents also alleged civic negligence, claiming repeated complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding unsafe, top-heavy trees in the area had gone unheeded.

State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced that a comprehensive safety survey of ageing, weak and vulnerable trees along roads would be undertaken immediately across Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra.

Congress leader Nana Patole demanded that the Bombay High Court take cognisance of the accident and initiate action against the state government, alleging the government failed to respond to concerns raised in the Assembly.

Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam said strict action would be taken against those found responsible and assured that measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents.

BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay also termed the incident "extremely unfortunate" and stressed the need for timely tree maintenance, saying weak trees should be identified and removed to prevent such tragedies.