Within 2 years, Pune roads cripple both husband, wife in separate accidents

Two people died and Sheetal’s right leg had to be amputated when a speeding dumper mowed them down at Chandani chowk. In the Rathod family, Sheetal , a mother of two, was the breadwinner for the last two years as her husband’s leg had been amputated as well in another accident. Raju Rathod was hit by truck at Dhayari two years ago.

It was a routine morning for Sheetal Rathod, 28, when she stepped out of her house to head to office. Minutes later, Sheetal’s life took a drastic turn as she met with an accident that took her right leg away.

Sheetal Rathod, 28, a mother of two, was the breadwinner of the family since the last two years. (HT PHOTO)

Two persons -10-year-old girl Nikita Navale and Puja Chavan, 19 - were killed, while Sheetal lost her leg, after a speeding dumper hit the three of them from behind at Chandani chowk on Friday. Chavan and Navale died instantly.

In the Rathod family, Sheetal , a mother of two, was the breadwinner for the last two years as her husband’s leg had been amputated as well. It was in another accident, two years ago, when Sheetal’s husband Raju Rathod was hit by truck at Dhayari, that Raju’s left leg had to be amputated.

“While we are fortunate that our daughter survived the accident, Sheetal’s leg injuries have wreaked havoc on the family,” says Hari Chavan, Sheetal’s father.

Chandani chowk has been identified as one of the most accident-prone spots in Pune by the traffic department.

When the accident happened and Sheetal Rathod required her right leg to be amputated, Hari, her husband, had to borrow money from various people to pay the hospital bills. “I work as a casual labourer so, I do not have enough savings for medical expenses,” said Hari.

Besides a local corporator, no civic official has visited the family yet.

The BPO where Sheetal and Puja were working informed HT that they were ready to provide some economic help to both families.

Now , Raju is also worried about the education of their children. Sheetal and her husband have been crippled due to accidents and their future looks very bleak.