CHENNAI: The only child, recently married and an expectant father, Giridharan Lakshmanan (30), had a lot going on for him. Just like any other day, he left for work on Wednesday morning after telling his parents he would see them again that evening.
Around nine, while on his way, an iron rod, weighing about 40 kg, used for Metro rail construction at St Thomas Mount fell on his helmeted-head, killing him instantly. On hearing of the tragedy, Lakshmanan, father of Giridharan rushed to the StThomas Mount police station with his wife, Geetha, who was crying uncontrollably saying, “How could you (son) leave without me? What is the use of us living anymore.”
Lakshmanan, a retired school headmaster, kept walking in and out of the police station, with a lost look in his eyes, mechanically following the advice of police and relatives. The father who lost his only child did not get a chance to grieve. Every time his phone rang or he saw a familiar face walk through the gates he would break down but would quickly collect himself, telling everyone that his son had never once forgotten to wear his helmet and yet tragedy had struck their family.
While waiting for the body to arrive at the mortuary, Mr Lakshmanan finally got a chance to grieve and he mumbled, “I must’ve committed some really heinous sins in my past life to deserve this. Struggled all my life to make my child successful, get him married and now when his wife is expecting, I have to carry his body home.”
Giridharan was married in August last year. His wife, Uthra Narasimhan, is due for delivery next month. Balaji P, Uthara’s cousin said, “My sister is someone who always stood first in everything throughout school and college. Now, life itself has defeated her.” The family has filed an FIR against Nagarjuna Constructions responsible for the negligent act.
