Business strategist falls in manhole, claims Rs 1.5 cr damages

A business development strategist, who recently slipped into a partially covered manhole at Carter road in suburban Bandra and fractured his leg, has slapped a legal notice on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) seeking Rs 1.5 crore damages for its alleged negligence.
51-year-old Vijay Hingorani fell into the gutter after slipping from a partially covered manhole near Otters Club on November 29 last year and fractured his leg.
He claimed that because the manhole was not covered completely, he accidental fell into the gutter and broke his leg.
He also lost a job opportunity to work for a firm in Bengaluru where he was offered attractive remuneration with bonus and accommodation with effect from January 1 this year, according to the notice sent by his lawyer Laxman Kanal.

Hingorani, who was immediately given treatment at nearby Holy Family hospital soon after the incident, has asked for Rs 1.5 crore compensation from the civic body as medical expenses, physical injury and loss of livelihood.
The lawyer said his client was hospitalised for a week during which a steel plate was inserted in his leg. Thereafter, he was bed-ridden for another week and advised six months further rest as a result of which he could not take up the new job offer in Bengaluru.
Kanal said that Hingorani had vast experience in jewellery business, apparel and accessories and had expertise in business strategies and development. As a result of the injury caused by falling into the gutter, he lost a good job opportunity.

The civic body is responsible for maintaining and repairing all the manhole covers in the city and replace them if they break, said Kanal, adding that "this is a case of sheer negligence and hence compensation must be paid to his client failing which they would seek legal remedies.