Victim Mithu Mondal’s family in front of their Kumartuli Park home
For Anukul Sarkar of Agarpara, the loss of his 13-year-old son, Pranjal, has left behind memories of a future that will never unfold. As relatives and neighbours rally around them, the bereaved families are trying to come to terms with their losses while confronting the difficult realities of life without those who were integral to their lives. A talented swimmer whose medals and trophies are displayed at their home, Pranjal had been excited about a trip to Meghalaya the following Sunday. Anukul had organised the outing to the Chorbagan pandal with relatives, friends and their children. he could not save his own son Although he managed to rescue several children caught in the surging crowd.
For Sourav Mondal (26) of Kumartuli Park, grief is accompanied by a persistent sense of guilt over his mother Mithu’s death.
“Had I taken my mom to Sovabazar Rajbari instead of Chorbagan pandal, this tragedy would not have struck our family,” he said, blaming himself for suggesting the outing. His father, Nirmal, said the family was trying to make a fresh start while living among Mithu’s clothes, cosmetics, kitchen utensils and photos.