The firecracker ban has been under debate in the country for several reasons, including safety of citizens that has always been a concern.

On the day of Diwali, while India was revelling by bursting crackers, there were those who lost a lot from their lives on the night. A 25-year-old painter from Adugodi, Shahrukh Khan, was left blind in one eye when he was passing by a rocket cracker that flew right into his eye, The New Indian Express reported.

Around 7 pm on Wednesday, Khan was rushed to Minto Eye Hospital on Victoria Hospital premises when the incident happened. Speaking to Express, his brother Afsar said, “I am an auto driver and Shahrukh paints houses. He has lost vision in his left eye but doctors say they can’t do anything. However, they have asked us to meet another specialist.”

Dr H S Sathish, Medical Superintendent, Victoria Hospital and Director, Minto Eye Hospital, said, “All the three cases brought to Minto are that of bystanders. Shahrukh has lost vision in one eye.”

25 YO painter from Adugodi lost his eye to a rocket firecracker

P Balu, a resident of Mulbagal, is only eight years old, suffered 30 per cent burns on his left thigh and abdominal area on Wednesday evening. He was taken to Victoria Hospital’s Mahabodhi Burns Centre. Dr. K T Ramesh, Head of the department of plastic surgery and burns, told Express, “The boy had put an agarbathi in his pocket which was full of crackers, thinking it was extinguished. Consequently, he suffered 30 per cent burns on his left thigh and peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining). He will be kept under observation for a few days here.”

10-year-old Bhawesh Solanki, whose father Gopal runs a stationery shop, was injured on Wednesday around 1.30 pm. A resident of Cubbonpet, he was injured as he was passing by crackers. Gopal told Express, “My son has been discharged. We have been asked to come for a followup on Saturday but I am thankful he’s fine and can see.”