Lalbagh tragedy: boy's parents to open free clinic for the needy

The parents of six-year-old Vikram Kumar, who was crushed to death by a bird bath in Lalbagh on Monday, want to open a clinic in his name and provide free treatment to those in need.

On Thursday, Horticulture Department officials met the parents, N Kumar and Revathi, and gave them a cheque for Rs 5 lakh as compensation. The family refused to accept the cheque at first.

“We had only one son and all that I earned was meant for him. What will I do with the money,” Kumar said. The officials persisted and urged them to use the money for social good. “We will use the money to open a clinic in Srirampuram in his name. With the help of my sister’s daughter who is studying to become a doctor, we will provide free treatment to those in need,” Kumar told DH.

Vikram’s parents also met Mayor G Padmavathi earlier in the day. “Vikram was studying in a BBMP school, so he is like our child. From the mayor’s fund, we are giving the family a compensation of Rs 50,000,” she said.

The parents also requested the Lalbagh authorities to set up a nameplate with Vikram’s photograph at the spot of the accident in the Bonsai park. “We want to come to the park at least once a month and perform puja here,” Kumar said.

In a letter to Kumar, the park authorities promised to arrange an ambulance on the Lalbagh premises and request local hospitals to be on alert to handle emergency cases. The authorities arranged for a temporary ambulance on Thursday.

From Friday onwards, a permanent ambulance will be stationed in the park with a paramedical team. “The parents have requested that we plant a tree which will bear yellow flowers. We have not decided on which tree yet. We will show them some options and let them decide,” said M Jagadish, Joint Director (Parks), Horticulture Department.