‘Even the cash in my son’s pocket was stolen at hospital’

“While returning from work, my son would visit my home in Gandhi Salai, before he headed to his house nearby. That night, he called me up to say that he was delayed because of a fire accident,” she said. 

Her daughter-in-law Yuvarani (34) can’t believe that her husband 

is no more. “We had a love marriage and my family was opposed to it. From that day onwards, there has been no communication with my family for 15 years. My in-laws have been supportive but I don’t know how I will raise my kids all on my own,” she said listlessly. The couple had two children, Harshini (10) and Mithravarshan (13). 

Chintamani said that the family’s dreams were shattered. “My son wanted to ensure that Harshini studied and became a doctor. He ran a shop on Ritchie Street and he 

used to take care of all of us. He has a brother, who has a job, and a sister but without him, we don’t know what will happen,” she said, sombrely. 

Yuvarani said that her husband, who was first admitted to Stanley Hospital and then shifted to KMC, was fine. “He spoke to the nurse, asking if something would happen to him. He even told me that he had Rs 30,000 in his pocket and his phone. He asked if I had collected it. But, when we asked the officials at the Stanley Hospital, they said that he just had some loose change with 

him. We didn’t get the money or the phone back,” she said. Chintamani added, “I know my son. He was returning home that Saturday after closing accounts. He would always have a few hundred-rupee notes with him. The hospital staff didn’t give us a single note.” 

Yuvarani, who has completed her Bachelor’s in Economics, hopes to work and provide for her children. “If the government can help provide jobs, the families without a breadwinner can be taken care of,” concluded Chintamani.