A strong protest was led by social activist Kantilal Kadu on Thursday, 17^th October in front of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) building, following a tragic incident involving the death of local resident Nilesh Mhatre. The protest was joined by angry residents who accused the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s lax attitude in handling the accident, which occurred on February 8 when a NMMT bus operated by the NMMC struck Mhatre.

The accident has left the community shaken, especially as the driver remains incarcerated in Taloja Jail. The Deputy Commissioner of the Transport Department, Yogesh Kaduskar, has faced backlash for his alleged neglect and insensitivity toward the victims' families. While Kaduskar had provided written assurances of financial aid for Mhatre's family and the injured Keshav Thakur, residents accuse him of undermining their tragedy through a lack of genuine support.

During the protest, Kadu highlighted the contradiction of receiving aid assurances on municipal letterhead while simultaneously seeking additional funds from the Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund. This has led to claims of mockery and abuse of power by municipal officials. The protesters expressed their frustration holding the Municipal Transport Administration hostage in the wake of the accident.

The protest saw an outpouring of emotion as family members of the deceased, including Mhatre’s sister, voiced their anguish, declaring, "We don’t want your help; we want our brother back." The presence of local leaders, including Hemlata Patil from Janwadi Mahila Sanghatana and SFI leader Gorakh Thakur.

In response to the mounting pressure, NMMC officials were reportedly taken aback and presented a letter offering temporary employment to Mhatre’s sister, with assurances of permanent placement within four days. Furthermore, Ravindra Daudkar, an officer from the transport department, committed to discussing financial assistance options with senior officials within eight days.

Kantilal Kadu also announced plans for legal action, stating that the Panvel Sangharsh Committee would push for a private lawsuit against Kaduskar and several other officials, including the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, for their alleged misconduct and negligence following the incident. Kadu expressed his determination to seek justice, warning that legal proceedings would commence within 15 days.