What began as a desperate attempt to save a husband’s life ended in a tragedy that has left two children orphaned and a family drowning in grief and debt. Sanjay Kumar Saw, a small businessman from Jharkhand’s Latihar district, had already been fighting for his life after suffering severe burns in a fire at his own roadside eatery, or dhaba. On February 16, a short circuit reportedly triggered a blaze at his establishment. In a frantic effort to extinguish the flames and protect his livelihood, more than 60 percent of his body was burned. He was rushed to a renowned hospital in Ranchi, where doctors battled to stabilise him. Over the next few days, his family spent nearly Rs 3.5 lakh on treatment. But instead of improving, Sanjay’s condition deteriorated. On February 22, doctors advised that he be shifted to a more advanced medical facility for specialized care.
Sitaram Kumar, a relative of the deceased patient told Times Now, that family contacted a hospital in Delhi, which asked for an advance deposit of ₹5 lakh for admission. Time was running out. Sanjay could not endure a long road journey; he needed immediate transfer after being discharged from the ICU in Ranchi. According to Sitaram Kumar, they repeatedly called the air ambulance helpline numbers provided by the Jharkhand government but received no response. With no sign of assistance, the family turned to a private aviation company. They were told it would cost ₹8 lakh to transport him by air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi.
For a middle-class family that had already exhausted savings on hospital bills, the amount was staggering. Sanjay’s wife, Archana Devi, mortgaged her gold jewelry. Even that was not enough. In a final, heartbreaking attempt to save him, the family decided to sell a portion of their land. They quickly arranged a deal, gathered the money, and paid for the air ambulance. It was supposed to be a journey toward hope. Instead, it became their final journey together. During the flight from Ranchi to Delhi, the air ambulance crashed. Sanjay Kumar Saw died in the accident. His wife Archana Devi, who had refused to leave her husband’s side and chose to accompany him, also lost her life. In a cruel twist of fate, a couple that had fought together through fire and financial ruin died together in the sky.
Back home, their two minor children - both students - were waiting. They are now left without parents, facing not only unimaginable grief but also mounting debt. The loans taken for treatment, the mortgaged jewelry, and the land sold in desperation have left the family financially shattered. Relatives say they have not yet received any assurance of financial assistance from either the state or central government. They are now appealing to state government to take responsibility for the children’s education and future.
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Rajesh Saha is a Kolkata-based multimedia journalist, covering political and crime stories from the state of West Bengal for Times Now television unde...View More
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