17 Years After Dahi Handi Fall Left Him Paralyzed, Mumbai Man's Family Seeks CM's Help

In 2009, Nagesh Bhoir, then 24, climbed a human pyramid during Dahi Handi celebrations in Bhiwandi, a ritual he loved performing every Janmashtami. His feet slipped, and he crashed to the ground, suffering a severe spinal injury that has left him unable to walk for the past 17 years.

Now 41, Nagesh's life is confined to a bed or a wheelchair. The accident has not only altered his life but has also plunged his family into years of emotional and financial distress. He requires specialised medical care every two months, and the recurring expenses have become an overwhelming burden.

His father, who once supported the family through a private-sector job, is now retired. Nagesh had just begun contributing to the household income when the tragedy struck. Today, a small circle of loyal friends contributes a portion of their salaries to help manage his medical costs.

Despite his condition, Nagesh has a message for those who continue to participate in Dahi Handi festivities. He urges them to treat it as a sport and not risk their lives. "A single slip could mean a big mishap. It doesn't just affect the Govinda; it alters the life of the entire family forever," he said.

His mother, watching her son struggle for nearly two decades, has made an emotional appeal to the Maharashtra Chief Minister. She is not seeking one-time aid but a permanent government provision to cover his recurring monthly medical expenditure. Seventeen years after the fall, the family's plea remains the same: help ensure Nagesh's future is not defined by the next medical bill.