The accident occurred around noon on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the local industrial estate in Ramtekdi, Hadapsar. The victim, identified as Surekha Subhash Kale, a resident of Ramtekdi, was collecting waste as part of her daily routine when the incident took place.
According to police reports, the Poclain machine operator, Arvind Prabhu Paswan (30), was using the machine to collect garbage in the area. While maneuvering the machine, the iron bucket struck Surekha Kale on the head, causing her severe injuries. She was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but doctors declared her dead before any treatment could be administered.
Following the incident, Surekha’s husband, Subhash Kale, filed a complaint at the Wanowrie Police Station. Based on the complaint and preliminary investigation, police arrested the Poclain operator, Arvind Prabhu Paswan, on charges of causing death by negligence.
Senior police officials stated that the operator failed to notice Surekha behind a heap of garbage while operating the machine, resulting in the fatal accident. The case is being investigated by Police Sub-Inspector Ashish Jadhav, who confirmed that the operator’s negligence was a key factor in the tragedy.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by waste pickers working in industrial areas, where heavy machinery operates in close proximity to manual laborers. According to police, waste pickers are typically not permitted on such premises, and it remains unclear how Surekha entered the area on the day of the accident. She was reportedly collecting waste behind a heap of garbage, while the Poclain machine was in operation on the other side. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for stricter safety protocols, better supervision, and clear demarcation of work zones to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The local community and Surekha’s family are in mourning, with residents expressing concern over the lack of safety measures for vulnerable workers. The incident has prompted calls for improved training for machine operators and enhanced awareness about the presence of manual workers in industrial zones. Surekha’s body was sent for post-mortem examination, and police have assured a thorough investigation to determine any further lapses or liabilities.
