Tragedy hits Indian family second time

Tragedy once again struck a prominent Indian family yesterday when their teenage son succumbed to injuries sustained from a fall.

Rithwik Gopal, 15, son of Dr V. S. Gopal, chairman of Al Ahalia Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in the city, fell from the second floor of his school building couple of days ago, sustaining multiple fractures. He was rushed to Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre, where he died yesterday morning.

Rithwik's sister Sridevi, also a teenager, died a few years ago when she fell from the balcony of their ninth floor flat. She plunged to death while practising a dance for a show she was to attend. She died on the spot.

Soon after her death the family adopted a baby girl who is now three years old.
According to family sources, the boy struggled for life at the hospital for about five days since his admission in the intensive care unit.

When contacted, the school, confirming the accident, refused to give further details due to legal obligations. Family sources told Gulf News that the boy's death has shocked the entire Indian community in Abu Dhabi, with floods of calls received by the hospital and the family.

"A large number of friends and relatives have come to console the bereaved parents. The mother is under sedition and Dr Gopal, in a state of shock, has confined himself to a room," said a family friend.

He said the last rites will be conducted here, instead of taking the body to India. "The arrangements will be announced tomorrow."