Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Sep 27: In a tragic incident that occurred at Netterakere school premises, a boy lost his hand after a branch of a peepal tree fell on him. The incident occurred at Netterakere school on Thursday, September 25.

Hasanabba (11), son of Kodman resident Abdul Latif is the one who lost his hand. Two other children, identified as Yatish and Naseema, were also injured in the incident.

The incident occurred when the children were sitting under the tree after lunch to study for examinations. As a huge branch of peepal tree fell with a deafening noise, the children ran away from the place, but three of them got trapped. The compound wall also collapsed due to the impact. Two neighboring houses were also damaged.

While Naseema sustained a minor injury to her head, Yatish was injured on the back. Yatish was rescued and given treatment immediately, but Hasanabba who was trapped in between the branch was not seen by anybody. He was later found with a twig pierced in his right hand. His condition was serious.

The locals immediately pushed the branch aside and rushed him to a private hospital in Thumbay. He was then taken to a private hospital in Mangalore for advanced treatment. His right hand had to be amputated as per the doctor's advice.

Family devastated

The family of Abdul Latif is very poor. Latif is a daily wage worker while his wife Mumtaz rolls beedies. Hasanabba is the only son among their three children. He is said to be an intelligent student and talented in art. The incident has shocked his teachers too.

District incharge minister B Ramanath Rai and minister for health U T Khadar have promised to extend government help. Former zilla panchayat member Ummar Farooq, Thumbay gram panchayat president Mohammed Valavoor, former taluk panchayat member Purusha Salian and others expressed their sympanthies to the poor family.