Hyderabad: After four days of fighting for her life, 15-year-old Shruti Gupta succumbed to her injuries early Saturday morning. She had been receiving treatment at a private hospital for severe lung damage caused by smoke asphyxiation.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday in Yakutpura, when a residential fire claimed the lives of her guardians and distant grandparents, Mohan Lal (55) and Usha Bai (50). Sparks from the gas stove fell on the firecrackers stored in the house, causing an explosion.
Shruti was the only survivor of the incident, but her lungs were critically damaged. Her body was later transferred to Gandhi Hospital for a postmortem examination. Her father, Sanjeev Kumar, a private employee in Ethiopia, returned to Hyderabad on Saturday to receive his daughter’s mortal remains.
In response to the tragedy, the chief minister’s Office issued a tweet stating, “Hon’ble CM A Revanth Reddy has expressed deepest condolences over the tragic accident in which Mohan Lal and Usha Devi passed away. He directed officials to ensure the best treatment and support for Shruti Gupta, the teenager battling for life. We will take total care of her, the CM assured.”
Criticizing the delayed response, Amjed Ulla Khan of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek stated, “We personally took the girl to a private hospital for the best treatment and spent over 3 lakh on her care. Despite reaching out to the CM, ministers, and other officials, we received no assistance. It is unfortunate that the tragedy only garnered attention after a tweet, and help came too late.”
