New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

What began as an ordinary afternoon ended in tragedy for a 45-year-old tea seller in west Delhi, as a heavy branch from a peepal tree broke loose during pruning work and fell on him, claiming his life and leaving behind a grieving family.


The incident occurred in Narayana Vihar around 12.30 pm, when Mukesh (45) was returning home after buying milk from a nearby shop. At the same time, pruning work was being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) along a busy stretch near Ring Road. Without warning, a large cut branch snapped and came crashing down on him.


Mukesh sustained critical injuries and was rushed by locals to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. A native of Bihar, Mukesh lived in Narayana village and earned his livelihood by selling tea. He is survived by his wife and children, who reside in his native place.


Questions Over Safety Measures
The spot where the accident took place is a high-traffic zone, frequented by pedestrians and vehicles throughout the day. Residents alleged that adequate barricading and warning signs were missing, raising serious concerns over public safety during such operations.


Police have registered a case of negligence and are examining whether standard safety protocols were followed. Investigators are assessing if pedestrians were properly restricted from entering the area while the pruning work was underway.


PWD Orders Probe
The PWD has ordered an internal inquiry and stated that strict action will be taken if any lapse is found on the part of officials or the contractor involved. The department maintained that preliminary arrangements had been made, but admitted that a detailed investigation is necessary.


A Family Left Behind
The sudden loss has left Mukesh’s family devastated. Locals have demanded compensation and accountability, saying that no family should lose its breadwinner due to preventable lapses.
The incident serves as a grim reminder that public safety cannot be compromised, and that even routine civic work, if carried out without strict safeguards, can turn deadly in seconds.