Mumbai: Over 6,000 people gathered in Vile Parle on Thursday to pay their respects to the seven youngsters who met a tragic death in an accident on the Mumbai-Goa highway on Wednesday.
A group of eight youths from Mumbai was on their way to Goa when their car lost control and rammed into a tree in Ratnagiri. Seven of them died, while one is in the hospital.
Local political leaders, who left for Ratnagiri on Wednesday, reached Vile Parle with the bodies by 10 a.m. on Thursday. As the lorry carrying the bodies entered the locality, residents followed the vehicle. People sobbed and recalled all the help they had received from the seven, who were social worker.
“After a few hours, during which people paid their respect, we took the bodies to the cremation ground. We then had a memorial and I could see tears in the eyes of everyone present. These young men had done a lot for the people in the area,” said Raja Thange, a student leader of the Shiv Sena.
Leaders across the parties came to mourn them. Among those present were MLA Parag Alvani of the Bharatiya Janata Party, advocate Anil Parab and Veena Bhagwat of the Shiv Sena, Sandeep Dalvi of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Pyarelal Teli of the Congress.
Campaigning for the municipal elections was called off in the area. “I have been part of the functions organised by the ‘Laksya Foundation’ run by these youngsters,” said Mr. Alvani.
Anand Phatak, a local and friend of the youths, said, “I saw them while they were setting out for Goa, and even went over to wish them a safe journey. I had no idea that I would be seeing them for the last time.” The family members were in a shock and denial.
About the Mumbai-Goa highway and the number of accidents, and the Goa highway project which is pending, Mr. Alvani said, “Due to the land acquisition clauses, we are unable to construct a road but we will soon work towards it. I have spoken to the CM and the treatment of the injured boy will be taken care of by the State.’
Mr. Parab said the promises of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to construct the road has remained on paper. “Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray had cancelled his rally in Vile Parle in the dead boys’ honour.”
