The Nashik Rural Police announced on Sunday that additional individuals will be implicated in the First Information Report (FIR) concerning the tragic incident involving a well that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Authorities also indicated that those responsible for approving the construction of a road that leads directly to the well would face legal repercussions.

An FIR has already been filed against the owner of the well, who is currently evading capture.

Balasaheb Patil, the Superintendent of Police for Nashik (Rural), stated that a committee has been established to investigate the involvement of the town planning department and local government in the approval of a cement road that directly connects to the open well. “Constructing roads in such a manner is an act of negligence, and the official who sanctioned the cement road will also be included as an accused party,” Patil remarked in an interview with The Indian Express.

The well, which has been in place since 1972, was previously considered safe as there was no vehicle access to the site. However, police noted that this changed following the paving of the road approximately a year ago.

Patil further explained that once the committee appointed by the district collector identifies the individuals responsible, appropriate actions will be taken. “We are currently awaiting their findings,” he added.

In the meantime, authorities have been unsuccessful in locating Rajendra Raje, the well’s owner, who is alleged to have neglected to secure the well. According to reports, he fled with his family shortly after the incident occurred.

On Sunday, the local administration completed the task of covering the well with debris and erected barricades along the road—preventative measures that might have averted the disaster.

The incident took place on Friday around 10 PM when a vehicle carrying nine members of the Dargude family, including six minors, fell into the well. They were returning from an annual function organized by their coaching classes, where the children had performed.

The vehicle was driven by Sunil Dargude, who, along with his wife and daughter, lost his life in the tragedy. He has also been named in the FIR lodged by the local Dindori police.