Looking for an electric point to charge his mobile phone on train, cost a 16-year-old hammerthrow player from Ambernath in Thane district his leg, and career.
Neeraj Singh, a hammerthrow player, was in Ranchi to represent the state at the Junior Athletics Meet on Friday. As the state made no arrangements for their tour, the players had to make do with the seats they managed to get at the last minute. Neeraj booked a seat on Shalimar Express.
On his return journey, as the train neared Wardha, Neeraj’s phone battery got discharged. He found an electric point close to the door. Leaning on the door, he tried to put his charging pin into it. But, the door gave way and Neeraj got hurt on his head. Owing to the injury, Neeraj lost his balance and fell on the
tracks between Nagpur and Wardha.
Vilas Gaikar, Singh’s coach and family friend, said: “According to the rules, the junior athletes team must be accompanied by an official for an outstation sports meet. But, no official from the state was with the team.”
Admitted to Kasturba hospital at Wardha, Singh underwent a surgery wherein his left leg was amputated knee down on Saturday.
So far, no official from the Maharashtra Athletic Association or the Thane District Association has inquired about his condition or offered help, Neeraj’s family claimed.
“An official from Wardha District Association visited Neeraj once, but offered no help,” Gaikar said.