Gaikwad, also known as Bala, fell ill on December 22 after consuming contaminated water supplied to his locality. He was initially admitted to Verma Nursing Home in Pardeshipura with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Although discharged on December 28, his condition worsened again within days. On January 7, he was referred to Aurobindo Hospital, where he remained under treatment for over two weeks before succumbing.
Hospital authorities said Gaikwad had pre-existing conditions, including cell carcinoma and kidney disease. However, they confirmed that he was admitted primarily due to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and his health deteriorated rapidly thereafter.
Gaikwad was the sole earning member of his family, supporting his household by driving an e-rickshaw. He is survived by four daughters — Riya (21), Jia (20), Khushboo (16), and Manali (12). Following his death, the family has been left in acute financial distress. Relatives said repeated illness and prolonged hospitalisation exhausted their savings.
Family members alleged that residents of Bhagirathpura had been raising complaints about dirty and foul-smelling water for months, but no effective corrective measures were taken by the authorities. “Had the supply been fixed in time, many lives could have been saved,” a local resident said.
Gaikwad’s daughter Jia stated that her father had also informed Leader of the Opposition Chintu Chouksey about his condition and had expressed a desire to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, which could not happen due to his hospitalisation.
According to health officials, the situation in Bhagirathpura remains critical. As of Tuesday, 38 patients are still undergoing treatment for waterborne illnesses, with 10 admitted to intensive care units. Three patients are reported to be on ventilator support. Medical teams continue to monitor the situation amid fears that the number of affected persons could rise further.
The deaths have triggered anxiety and anger among local residents, who say assurances from civic authorities have not translated into sustained action on the ground. While temporary measures such as water tankers and chlorination drives have been announced, residents allege that the core issue of pipeline contamination has not been adequately addressed.
With fatalities continuing to mount, pressure is growing on the administration to fix accountability, ensure safe drinking water, and prevent further loss of life.
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