Waste Management – Pune Police Book Firm After Deadly Moshi Landfill Collapse
Waste Management -A criminal case has been registered against the company responsible for operating the waste-to-energy facility at Pune’s Moshi garbage depot after a section of a large waste mound collapsed, killing nine people and injuring several others. The incident has triggered an official investigation into whether mandatory safety measures were ignored at the landfill site.
The Pune Police have filed the case at the MIDC Bhosari Police Station against the Project Head and the Safety Officer of Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. The action follows the fatal collapse that occurred inside the Moshi garbage depot complex, where a massive heap of accumulated waste gave way and crashed onto a nearby structure and adjoining road.
Company Responsible for Waste Processing
According to civic officials, the Pune Municipal Corporation had entrusted Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. with the responsibility of processing the city’s municipal solid waste and managing operations at the Moshi facility. The agreement reportedly required the company to maintain the landfill in a safe condition while ensuring that waste disposal activities complied with prescribed safety standards.
Authorities stated that the contractor was expected to take all necessary precautions to maintain the stability of the Sanitary Landfill and prevent accidents caused by excessive waste accumulation or structural instability within the disposal area.
Safety Measures Under Investigation
Officials said the company was also responsible for safeguarding employees working at the site and protecting the landfill from damage, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of slope failures. This included implementing preventive measures designed to reduce the possibility of large-scale waste movement and other hazards.
Investigators are examining whether the required safety protocols were properly followed and whether any lapses in site management may have contributed to the collapse.
Complaint Alleges Negligence
The complaint names Project Head Ashokkumar Siyaram Sharan Gupta, 59, and Safety Officer Vijay Ramrao Sapkal, 38. According to the allegations, both officials were aware that inadequate safety arrangements at the landfill could endanger lives and damage surrounding property.
Despite this knowledge, the complaint claims that sufficient preventive measures were not put in place to address the risks associated with the growing waste mound. Investigators will examine documents, site records and operational procedures to determine whether the accused failed to discharge their responsibilities.
Collapse Left Nine Dead and Several Injured
The incident took place on July 8 at approximately 1:30 p.m. when a section of the garbage heap reportedly gave way. The collapsing waste spread onto a nearby building and an adjacent road, causing extensive destruction.
Nine people lost their lives in the tragedy, while 12 others suffered injuries and were taken for medical treatment. Emergency teams carried out rescue operations immediately after the collapse as authorities worked to clear the debris and search for those trapped.
Police Register Criminal Case
Following the accident, the Pune Municipal Corporation submitted a formal complaint, prompting the police to register a case against the two officials. The charges have been filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 104, 125(a), 125(b), and 3(5).
Police officials said the investigation remains in progress. Authorities are collecting evidence and reviewing whether negligence in implementing mandatory safety measures played a direct role in the fatal landfill collapse. The findings of the inquiry are expected to determine the extent of responsibility of those involved in managing the waste disposal facility.