Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 17: “The government has promised that it will provide compensation. The money whatever we had is spent. If they do not give compensation, only God can save us,” said Purushottam Poojary, the auto rickshaw driver who was injured in the cooker bomb blast and discharged from hospital two days ago.

Purushottam’s house is getting repaired and he is living in rented house at present. The media went to this rented house on Monday. Purushottama expressed his anguish with them.

Purushottam recalled the ordeal and said, “On the fateful day, I was running the auto rickshaw. A person waved hand and stopped my vehicle and said that he has to go to Pumpwell. As my auto reached Nagori there was a huge sound. Thick smoke bellowed and I could not see anything. I parked the auto rickshaw by the side of the road. The passenger’s clothes and body was burnt. He also got down from the vehicle. My face and hand was burnt. Later, both of us were admitted to hospital. Apart from this, I do not know anything.

“The doctors have advised me not to come out of the house for one more month. I cannot work for one more year. Every 10 days, I have to visit the doctor. So far the expenses of treatment were managed through ESI. We spent the money we saved for the running around from hospital to home and daily expenses. The government promised to give compensation. The BJP said that they will provide me new auto rickshaw. If they give it is fine, otherwise God has to help me.

“My daughter’s marriage is fixed in the month of May. That is why house is being repaired. Some have helped. The person who gave me house on rent is my friend. He has not told me what the rent is,” he said.

The family members of Purushottam said, “MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, minister Sunil Kumar, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, former MLA J R Lobo and MLC Ivan D’Souza had visited Purushottam in the hospital. We are confident that the government will keep its word.”

Purushottam Poojary (61) built his life by driving the auto rickshaw. Though he is discharged, he has not completely recovered. As the wounds on his hands are not completely cured, his family members are feeding him.

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