Mumbai NGO Calls for Action After Teen Dies in Food Truck Grinder Accident

Mumbai, Worli: A tragic incident in Worli has sparked public outrage after 19-year-old Suraj Narayan Yadav was killed when he got pulled into a grinding machine at a roadside food truck on Saturday. In response, the Chakachak Dadar NGO has written to Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, demanding urgent action to shut down illegal food trucks across the city and hold municipal officials accountable for their role in failing to regulate these operations.

The food truck, owned by Sachin Kothekar, has been linked to unauthorized business practices that have resulted in public safety violations and road obstructions. Chakachak Dadar insists that the Ward Officer and Deputy Municipal Commissioner be included as accused in the FIR alongside the truck owner. The organization has also urged the BMC to enforce strict regulations on food trucks, including seizing unauthorized trucks, prosecuting offenders, and shutting down illegal structures that encroach on public spaces.

Despite a Food Truck Policy being drafted by the BMC in 2022, the lack of implementation has allowed illegal trucks to thrive. Chakachak Dadar highlights concerns over unsanitary conditions and illegal political advertisements at many of these food trucks, further emphasizing the risks to public safety.

This tragic death highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations and enforcement to ensure public safety and hygiene in Mumbai’s vibrant street food industry. As pressure mounts on the government for accountability, reforms are being pushed to prevent future tragedies.