I will now distribute newspapers, says wife of vendor killed in road accident

THANE: The death of Hemant Jadhav, 43, and his nephew Sachin Pawar, 28, both newspaper vendors, in an accident on March 27 has left the family with no source of income.

“On Sunday, Hemant and Sachin had gone to collect newspapers as one of t he vendors said he would not be able to do so. But they were killed in an accident,” said Hemant’s wife, Harshada, adding that she will distribute newspapers to earn a livelihood.

A car crashed into a twowheeler at Naupada killing Pawar, who was riding it, and critically injuring his uncle Hemant. Hemant succumbed to his injuries.

Ajit Patil, secretary, Thane newspaper vendors association, said, “As soon as we got to know of the accident, we contacted the helpline number of the ambulance, but to no avail. We rushed the two to hospital.”

“It’ s difficult to sustain without them as we do not have money to survive. That’s why I will distribute newspapers to earna livelihood ,” said Harshada.

Harshada said, “While we struggle to make ends meet, the accused driver, Shekhar Itadkar, 27, is roaming free only because he is the son of a Thane Municipal Corporation engineer.”

M Bag ga, senior police

inspector of Naupada police station, said, “The sections under which Shekhar was booked were bailable.”

“We have sent Shekhar’s blood samples to the forensic lab at Kalina to verify if he was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The report is awaited. We are probing the case,” added Bagga.

“We don’t have the money to fight for justice. I have to earn a livelihood to take care of my family. My mother is unwell too,” added Harshada.

Hemant’s elder brother, Madhu, 49, said, “It’s an uphill task for Harshada, who has to look after not only Sachin’s mother and Hemant’s mother but also her two children — an 8- year- old girl and a 6- year- old boy who is differently- abled .”

Patil s aid, “If s omeone wishes to help this family, they can contact 09892020051.”

PRAFUL GANGURDE Families of Hemant Jadhav and Sachin Pawar mourn the deaths.