QUEEN'S ROAD: Two years ago, 27-year-old Yunus Ali was the victim of reckless driving. The auto he was driving flipped thrice after being hit by a speeding Audi Q7. The accident crushed his thigh bone but he could not afford an operation to correct it.
Now, for the first time, crowdfunding has stepped in to help an accident victim. Social activist Venkatraman Iyer and Accura Hospital, in Koramangala, facilitated it. The operation expenses had come up to Rs 60,000 but after discussions with the management, it was brought down to Rs 30,000. This amount has been raised through crowdfunding.
The operation is scheduled for Tuesday.
Ali’s hospital expenses have already crossed Rs 2.5 lakh. Until now, his family managed by borrowing from friends and family, and pawning jewellery. “After this incident, the family was left completely shattered. He was the sole bread winner. If this young man loses his leg, an entire family will suffer, hence we mobilised funds through crowdfunding. Thanks to Dr Taha Mateen, owner of Accura Hospital, his surgery will be done at 50 percent of the cost,” said Iyer.
The family now manages with the financial support provided by Ali’s father-in-law. “He gives us Rs 500 every week and my wife rolls agarbathi sticks for a daily wage,” said Ali.
“My wife is constantly sick from working at the agarbathi factory. I am helpless. I do not hold any grudge against the driver and I approached (the accused) Rajesh Reddy’s father. But he refused to help.” But realtor Lokesh Reddy, who is the father of the accused, claims he has paid all the victims.
“I have also suffered a loss,” said Reddy. “My son was meant to go to London for higher studies, instead he faced criminal charges. His case was quashed, but there is one more case pending in Mayo Hall Court,” he said.
The police had booked Rajesh Reddy under Sections 304, 337 (for causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 of the IPC. Charges under section 304 were dismissed.
Rajesh L Reddy, then 23 years, was accused of racing his brand new Audi Q7 at 150 kmph on MG Road, swerving left at the Mayo Hall junction and crashing into an approaching auto. The accident killed one and injured two, including Ali.
Ali said that he had been asked to do a check-up by doctors at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital. “I had been avoiding this for the past three months since I don’t have the money,” he said.
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The accident killed Deepak, a pub employee and the sole breadwinner of his family. His mother, sister and younger brother live at the mercy of moneylenders. Karthik (25) suffered head injuries and had to quit working because of frequent headaches.