Mumbai: Family Members Throw Elderly Cancer Patient In Garbage Pile

An elderly woman named Yashoda Gaikwad, aged 60, was discovered in a garbage heap in Mumbai's Aarey Colony. Her grandson, Sagar Shewale, confessed to abandoning her there. Initially, the family denied any involvement, but the grandson later admitted his actions. Yashoda was battling skin cancer and mental health issues when found among the refuse.

The woman's photos circulated online, leading authorities to trace her family to Kandivali. The family initially claimed that Yashoda had left home voluntarily, a behaviour they said she exhibited for years. However, CCTV footage contradicted these claims, showing Sagar Shewale and his uncle Babasaheb Gaikwad accompanying her at a hospital.

Family's Claims Contradicted by Evidence

According to reports, the CCTV footage captured both men with Yashoda inside and outside the hospital. They intended to admit her but were unsuccessful. This evidence did not align with the family's earlier statements. Upon further questioning, Sagar confessed to leaving his grandmother in a garbage pile.

The police discovered Yashoda in unit number 32 of Aarey Colony last week. She was then taken to Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle for treatment. A police official stated that Yashoda identified herself and mentioned living with her grandson in Malad before being abandoned.

Legal Actions Taken Against Family Members

Sagar Shewale and Babasaheb Gaikwad have not been arrested yet but face charges under Section 125 of BNS for negligence and Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. These charges stem from their abandonment of Yashoda.

Reports indicate that after returning home around 3:30 am, Sagar and his uncle hired a rickshaw to transport Yashoda to the location where they left her. Despite providing two addresses during questioning, neither proved useful as no one resided there.