Individuals, groups extending help to the victim; more financial assistance needed for hospital expenses and bills
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 12
Thirteen-year-old Abhijit Das, an orphan rag picker, whose legs were amputated after being run over by a train a month ago, is recovering fast here at CIHSR Hospital.
The penniless rag picker has made it thus far, thanks to the care and contribution of a couple of individuals and organization.
On the fateful night (January 9), Abhijit was alighting from the pantry section of the Rajdhani Express at Dimapur Railway Station after collecting leftover food when he slipped and both his feet went under the wheels of the train which was already in motion.
Hearing his cries, two gentlemen – David Thadani, an advocate and Maj Arun Kumar of 117 Engineering Regiment, who were in the railway station immediately came to the rescue of the victim. The victim was first taken to Civil Hospital but due to absence of facility was rushed to Zion Hospital where again they were informed that the orthopedic doctor was out of station. The two gentlemen then rushed the victim to CIHSR Hospital in the wee hours of January 10. After completing the formalities, the amputation surgery was successfully performed around 5:00 am.
Maj Arun Kumar volunteered to donate the much needed blood as the victim had bled profusely. Later, the army officer brought three of his jawans who also donated their blood.
“The Major and his jawans donated 4 units of blood, which saved the boy’s life,” said Dr. Keith Ingty, the senior orthopedic who performed the amputation surgery. Dimapur Bengali Samaj also donated Rs. 20,000 towards hospital expenses. One of the canteens inside CIHSR complex, Masie’s Canteen, is providing free meals to the patient. Childline also donated clothes to him.
Since the time the boy was admitted, David and his friend Jeevan Giri are regularly visiting the patient and also taken the responsibility to raise fund to pay the hospital expenses and bills, which is reportedly around Rs. 1.3 lakhs so far.
“Right now our main concern is how to raise fund to pay hospital bills and also rehabilitation of the boy once he comes out from the hospital. We have talked with a couple of NGOs including Missionaries of Charity for adoption of the boy,” David said.
David and Giri are also fervently praying that some good Samaritans and NGOs would come forward to extend moral support and financial assistance.
