‘His love for playing cricket took his life’

“Had the security guard posted at the Wesley College grounds allowed us into the playground, Manoj would have been alive. It was the biggest nightmare in my life,” said K Kiran, who was with Manoj Kumar, victim of a hit-and-run accident on Sunday. G Manoj Kumar (12), a resident of Krishnanagar of Rasoolpura basti died in a accident while trying to cross the road from the Wesley College grounds. “As it was a Sunday, Manoj and me went to the Parade grounds to play cricket, but police did not allow us in. Later, we went to the Wesley College grounds but the security guard posted at the main gate refused entry. While we were trying to cross the Sarojini Devi road, suddenly a speeding Pulsar carrying three people hit Manoj and ran away,” said Kiran, describing the terrible accident. Displaying Manoj’s photographs, his father G Narayana said his son wanted to become a police officer and he took active part in games and sports. “Even though we are poor, we encouraged him to play cricket and other games. However, his interest in playing cricket led to him losing his life,” said a teary Narayana. Narayana, a contract driver at the Miyapur depot, is on medical leave for three months as he is suffering from chronic diabetes. “My son took his last breath sleeping on my lap in the auto. He cried hugging me when were going to the hospital. He suddenly stopped talking as we reached the Secunderabad station road. I thought my son would recover well but he didn’t,” said an inconsolable mother Sattemma. Meanwhile, students and teachers of Kasturba High School, where Manoj studied, visited his house to console Manoj’s parents. “We were shocked to hear Manoj had died in an accident. He was my best friend Mirhaj. “He was silent and sensitive. He secured good marks in all subjects. He also actively participated in extra-curricular activities,” said S Lalitha, Manoj’s class teacher.

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com