Accidental Death Report registered in Walkeshwar senior citizen’s death

MUMBAI: Three days after the branch of an Ashoka tree fell on 91-year-old Lila Sukhi in south Mumbai's Walkeshwar area, leading to her death, the police has registered an accidental death report (ADR) in the case. The police claimed that no one from the deceased’s family came forward to express apprehension about any foul play involved. Meanwhile, the BMC said that the tree was located on private premises.

Dynaneshwar Chavan, deputy dommissioner of police (zone 2) said, “The death of the senior citizen seems to be due to natural causes, as the tree falling specifically on Ms Sukhi cannot be intentional. Also Ms Sukhi's family did not come forward to register any formal complaints against any authorities, blaming them for Ms Sukhi's death.”

“It was very unfortunate and a mere coincidence that the senior citizen died after the tree fell, and we have registered an ADR in the matter. Our mandatory protocol is to probe the matter, and we are doing so accordingly.”

An officer from Malabar Hill police station said on condition of anonymity, “On Tuesday, when the police approached the Kevalya Math committee members, they said that it was a natural disaster, and it was not their fault. Similarly, when BMC ward D officer was questioned, he said that the tree was on private property and they could not take any action without prior intimation.”

On Monday evening, Ms Sukhi stepped out for her evening walk when the branch fell on her in Walkeshwar.