Family of Deceased Doctor Demands Justice and Compensation After Fatal Air Ambulance Crash
More than a month has passed since a tragic air ambulance crash in Chatra district, Jharkhand, claimed the lives of all seven individuals on board. Among the victims was Dr. Vikas Gupta, a dedicated physician from Ranchi Sadar Hospital. On Sunday, his grieving family members stepped forward to demand a proper and impartial investigation into the accident, alongside substantial financial compensation to secure their future.
Father Appeals for Rs 5 Crore and Government Support
Dr. Gupta's father, Bajrangi Prasad, made an emotional plea to the state government, requesting compensation of at least Rs 5 crore. He alleged that the authorities have failed to provide any assistance to the family in the weeks following the devastating incident. "After his death, the government assured us of providing compensation and standing by his family in times of need. But over a month has passed since his death, no action has been taken," Prasad stated.
He emphasized the severe financial strain on the family, noting that Dr. Gupta, aged 41, was the sole earning member. "It is difficult for his family to sustain themselves after his death. I request the government to provide Rs 5 crore compensation and take responsibility for his eight-year-old son Mohul’s education," Prasad added. As a farmer, he revealed that he had invested his life savings into his son's education and now lacks the capacity to support the household alone.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Victim's Background
The fatal crash occurred on February 23 when a Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, went down in the jungle near Simaria shortly after takeoff. The nearly 40-year-old aircraft was transporting a patient, Sanjay Kumar, from Ranchi to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. Dr. Gupta was attending to the patient during the flight.
Dr. Vikas Gupta hailed from Bihar's Aurangabad district and completed his early education there. He earned his MBBS degree from SCB Medical College in Cuttack before being appointed as a government doctor in Jharkhand in 2013. For the past six years, he had been serving the community in Ranchi, building a reputation as a committed healthcare professional.
Brother Calls for Expedited Investigation and Accountability
Dr. Gupta's elder brother, Subhash Kumar Gupta, echoed the call for a swift and transparent probe into the crash. He urged the government to expedite the investigation and ensure that those responsible face strict punishment. "We are not yet sure what caused the accident. Everyone is presuming the accident occurred due to bad weather. But why was the aircraft allowed to fly in the first place? Families of the victims need answers to their questions," Subhash asserted.
The family's demands highlight broader concerns about aviation safety and governmental responsiveness in the aftermath of such tragedies. As the investigation continues, they await clarity on the circumstances that led to the loss of their loved one and seek assurances that similar incidents will be prevented in the future.
