Contaminated water kills father of 4 daughters:Tears and memories remain in their eyes; 3 patients on ventilators for 15 days

Once again, grief descended on a household in Bhagirathpura as a family lost their patriarch. Hemant Gaikwad (50), the family’s sole breadwinner, passed away at the hospital on Tuesday night. His death left his four daughters, Riya (22), Jia (21), Khushboo (15), and Manali (12), and wife Kalpana alias Tina in deep shock. The family had initially feared that contaminated water had led to his deteriorating health, but authorities later clarified that his death was due to a serious illness. Until recently, Hemant had ferried schoolchildren in his e-rickshaw. As his condition worsened, he was placed on a ventilator, but doctors later advised the family to take him home, delivering a crushing blow. Last journey and emotional farewell Hemant’s final journey from his house took place on Wednesday. His wife and daughters were inconsolable, crying throughout the procession. The family struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss caused by a long-standing companionship ending in moments. The funeral was held at Malwa Mile Muktidham, where the youngest daughter, 12-year-old Manali, lit her father’s pyre with her uncle, Sanjay Gaikwad. This was her first visit to Muktidham, and the poignant moment of saying farewell brought tears to everyone present. Pitru Chhaya plate symbolises lost protection Sanjay Gaikwad explained that the house, built two years ago, had a ‘Pitru Chhaya’ plate above the main gate. This symbolised the father’s protective shadow over the household. With Hemant’s passing, this shadow has been lifted. He detailed the daughters’ education: Riya has finished college, Jia is in her third year, Khushboo is in 11th grade, and Manali is in 7th grade. Kalpana supports the family through tailoring work from home. Pitru Chhaya plate symbolises lost protection Sanjay Gaikwad explained that the house, built two years ago, had a ‘Pitru Chhaya’ plate above the main gate. This symbolised the father’s protective shadow over the household. With Hemant’s passing, this shadow has been lifted. He detailed the daughters’ education: Riya has finished college, Jia is in her third year, Khushboo is in 11th grade, and Manali is in 7th grade. Kalpana supports the family through tailoring work from home. Fifteen days before his death, Hemant began suffering from diarrhea after consuming contaminated water. Although the diarrhea subsided with medication, his legs and stomach began swelling, prompting hospital visits and eventual transfer to Aurobindo Hospital. Despite ongoing treatment, his condition deteriorated, culminating in cardiopulmonary arrest. Doctors also confirmed he was battling cancer at the time. Daughter appeals for government assistance Riya expressed concern over managing household expenses and her sisters’ education following their father’s death. She hopes the government will provide financial support or employment to help sustain the family. Hemant’s e-rickshaw, once their source of income, now sits unused outside the house, gathering dust. Patients on ventilators continue to fight Meanwhile, three other patients from Bhagirathpura remain on ventilators at Bombay Hospital in Indore. Eknath Suryavanshi, along with Hiralal and Parvati Bai, suffers from multi-organ failure and pre-existing conditions. Families continue to hope for recovery despite the uncertain prognosis. Administration clarifies cause of death Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Hasani clarified that Hemant Gaikwad’s death was due to cardiopulmonary arrest and cancer, not diarrhea. Patients affected by the waterborne incident in Bhagirathpura are recovering, with no one in serious condition.