Mumbai: Lalit Saroj (25) died after falling off a human pyramid, his family alleged, based on his autopsy report. They said he fell from the second tier during dahi handi celebrations on Monday.
The Kandivli youth’s sister, Anita, said he had climbed the pyramid and fell from a height, which caused fatal injuries and led to his death. But she admitted that no one from the family was present at the spot, and that they learnt about the circumstances of his death from friends. “He had recently married and was the breadwinner for the family,” she said. Saroj is survived by his mother, three sisters and wife.
The Samta Nagar police, who sprung into action after the autopsy report, debunked the family’s claim on Friday. “Lalit had climbed a dahi handi pyramid till the second tier but he was not feeling well. He climbed down and waited for a bit and collapsed. He has a medical history of epileptic fits,” said zonal deputy commissioner Panjabrao Ugle.
“The inquest panchnama by the police said there were no external injuries. We are awaiting detailed forensic reports. The post-mortem examination said Lalit died of internal injuries,” he added. The police have also spoken to witnesses who had seen Lalit climb down the pyramid.
Saroj’s friend, Pankaj Mishra, corroborated the police’s finding. “Th-ere was a dahi handi organized, but not by any mandal or association. It was a neighbourhood event. Lalit was not participating in the formation of the pyramid. He was standing one side when he suffered fits and collapsed. We took him to Sancheti Hospital but he was declared dead on admission,” said Mishra.
A doctor from Bhagwati Hospital in Borivli said, “He had bruises and contusions that cannot be caused by a fall due to epileptic fit