Tragedy Strikes Bhopal Family on Goa Holiday
The Samardha neighborhood in Bhopal's Misrod area was enveloped in profound sorrow on Friday as the final rites were performed for 65-year-old Bhagat Ram Sharma. The beloved patriarch lost his life in a devastating road accident while vacationing in Goa, leaving his family and community in mourning.
Critical Injuries and Grueling Journey Home
Sharma's wife, Leela Sharma, sustained life-threatening injuries in the same collision, including a fractured pelvic bone along with severe rib and back trauma. In a harrowing 30-hour ambulance journey, she was transported back to Bhopal before being admitted to a hospital in Misrod, where she continues to fight for recovery.
Family Details and Allegations Against Driver
Bhagat Ram Sharma is survived by his three children: daughters Deepika and Ruchika, and son Atul. Deepika and Atul both work as software engineers for a multinational corporation, while Ruchika, who holds an MBA degree, is employed with a company and resides in Faridabad, commuting to work in Noida.
In an emotional conversation with media, Sharma's daughters presented serious allegations against the young driver of the Thar vehicle that collided with their parents. They claim he was driving at excessive speeds on a narrow road section, failed to reduce velocity when approaching speed breakers, and displayed complete disregard after the incident.
Shocking Behavior After the Collision
"Instead of offering assistance to the injured, the accused immediately began recording video on his mobile phone and making calls," the daughters revealed, emphasizing his apparent lack of remorse. Fortunately, local residents in Goa intervened to prevent the driver from fleeing the scene, an act for which the family expressed profound gratitude.
Heartbreaking Family Tributes
Deepika shared poignant memories of her father, noting this was his first-ever airplane journey. "He dedicated his entire life and earnings to our upbringing, never showing any discrimination between his daughters and son," she emotionally recounted. The family faced additional trauma in repatriating his remains, with Deepika explaining, "My father couldn't even receive a proper funeral. He was cremated after five days, his body having turned black. We struggled tremendously to bring him back via air cargo."
Quest for Justice and Legal Concerns
Standing before her father's funeral pyre, Deepika recorded a video message directed at the accused driver, expressing unwavering faith in the judicial system and confidence that he would face appropriate punishment. The family revealed the driver was released the same day after brief detention, prompting Deepika's anguished question: "Why do such individuals sit behind the wheel if they cannot drive safely?"
She appealed to the public for solidarity in their pursuit of justice. Adding to their distress, Ruchika's husband Tushar Uniyal mentioned family concerns about misleading suggestions that Bhagat Sharma suffered a heart attack, when the official post-mortem report clearly indicates injuries consistent with a road accident.
Community Support and Ongoing Struggle
The Sharma family continues to navigate their profound loss while caring for the critically injured Leela Sharma. Their experience highlights broader issues of road safety, driver accountability, and the emotional toll on families affected by traffic accidents. As they mourn their beloved father and husband, they remain determined to ensure his death leads to greater awareness and justice for all road accident victims.
