Sri Tej responding, unable to recognise: Father

Hyderabad:Magudampalli Bhaskar, husband of M. Revati, who died in the December 4 stampede during the release of ‘Pushpa 2’, said that their son Sri Tej, survivor of the incident, was gradually recovering.

He reiterated that he was contemplating withdrawing his complaint in connection with the incident. “Our focus has always been on Sri Tej’s recovery. As we see him fighting back, I feel it might be time to let go of the legal aspect and concentrate fully on his care,” he said.

Speaking to mediapersons, Bhaskar added that Sri Tej had opened his eyes two days ago for the first time of the incident, but was unable to recognise people. “Doctors suggested I stay beside Sri Tej and call him by his name so he could gradually remember. We have been trying since yesterday, but he has not been able to recollect yet,” he explained.

Bhaskar, 40, an employee at a jewellery showroom in Abids, and a resident of Shalivahananagar, said, “I have noticed him moving his hands and legs. He also reacts to pain when the doctors inject him,” he said.

A medical report released by the hospital; said that Sri Tej continued to maintain stable vital parameters without the need for oxygen or ventilatory support. The report said Sri Tej’s sensorium remained unchanged, with spontaneous eye opening and limb movements. However, there is still no meaningful eye contact or recognition of his family members.

Doctors observed that while he responds to verbal stimuli by waking, he is not yet able to follow oral commands. “Intermittent dystonic movements and limb stiffness persist, for which medication is being administered,” it said.

Sri Tej was being fed through a nasogastric tube and has tolerated feeds well, the report said. He was afebrile for three days. Intermittent suctioning of his tracheostomy tube was still required.