Students and teachers of SS Vidyalaya High School along with the children’s parents contribute money for support treatment for the boy whose leg was amputated on Tuesday following the mishap



Children hand over money to their teacher after the management of SS Vidyalaya High School decided to give financial aid to its student Dipesh Singh (inset). Pic/Nimesh Dave

Students of SS Vidyalaya High School in Goregaon have extended a helping hand to their schoolmate — Dipesh Singh, one of the Class IX boys who was run over by percussionist Karan Chitra Deshmukh and, as a result, lost a leg on Tuesday, incidentally, also Dipesh’s birthday.

Also read: Reckless musician crushes Army dreams of four youths

According to the school, not only the students, but also the teachers, Grade IV employees, parents and many alumni have, depending to their financial status, donated money for Dipesh’s treatment. So far, around R40,000 has been deposited with principal Anil Kumar Singh.

For their friend

“Dipesh was a bright student, always punctual and obedient. Studying in our school since Class I, the school management had decided not to take fees from him owing to his family’s poor financial condition,” said Singh.

The headmaster added that he was shocked to hear of the boy’s accident and immediately contacted the management to collect money for him. “The authorities appreciated my move and spoke to all teachers and students, appealing all to come forward and help. The management itself donated R10,000 first; later, the teachers, parents and students made their contributions. Till yesterday evening, we collected Rs 40,000,” said Singh.

Family seeks justice

Members of Dipesh’s family gathered outside the Bangur Nagar police station yesterday morning and demanded that strict action be taken on the accused.

The boy’s maternal uncle, Nitin Mahatre (41), said, “The whole family is in trauma, and the accused who is responsible for it should be severely punished. Dipesh has lost a leg… we are all so worried about him; what’s going to happen to his future now?”

Local corporator of ward 49 and Parbhag Samiti chairwoman Lochna Chauhan from Goregaon met the Bangur Nagar police with her workers as well as neighbours and relatives of Dipesh, asking them to ensure that Deshmukh is properly punished.

While speaking with mid-day, she said, “The accused is responsible for what the family is going through; not only should he be punished, but he should also give compensation to the teen’s family.”