Relatives don't want to probe budding cricketer's accidental death

Relatives of 16-year-old cricketer Naved, who fell in a well yesterday, see no logic in probing his death since they can never get their loved one back

Relatives of 16-year-old cricketer Naved, who fell in a well yesterday, see no logic in probing his death since they can never get their loved one back

These are sad times for Mumbai cricket. Less than a month ago, an under-19 cricketer, Rohan Manjrekar was killed in a motorcycle accident. Yesterday, schoolboy cricketer Naved Naushad Shamsheen lost his life after he fell into a well at the Azad Maidan.

A relative of Naved Naushad Shamsheen looks at the well where the 16-year-old cricketer drowned at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Satyajit Desai

While it is not known whether this was caused due to negligence on the part of the ground authorities or the boy himself, Naved's family don't want to take any steps to investigate. "We have lost our child. Seeking justice won't bring him back," a relative told MiD DAY last evening.

The scene at Naved's Byculla dwelling was as gloomy as the weather last evening. His mother was seen at the entrance, dazed. "A few days ago, Naved said he was in no mood to go out. He went for cricket practice after several days today and look what happened," said the inconsolable mother.

It is learnt that Bharda New High School's Naved (16) stepped on the tin covering of the well on his way to practice at 6.30 am. His body was pulled out by fire brigade personnel at 9 am. He was declared dead at the G T Hospital, near CST.

According to sources at the hospital, the initial post mortem report suggested aspiration pneumonitis (death due to drowning) as the cause of death. "There was severe abrasion on the left arm which might be due to the fall," said a doctor.

Naved's tutor, Haffi Qureshi said: "Naved was a very bright student. I cannot explain the trauma his mother is going through."

Rafique Shaikh, who was present when Naved's body was pulled out of the well, said that the incident might have taken place because the gate opposite the BMC headquarters was closed.

"People take this short cut as that gate is closed. To save time, they sneak through the barbwires to get easy access to the maidan," said Rafique.

Azad Maidan has only two entry/exit pointsu00a0-- one at the Fashion Street end and the other, near Sterling Cinema. The well was covered with tiles in the evening, thanks to a few adamant people at the maidan.

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