Gaya: Poverty Claims Mechanic’s Life, Family Left to Struggle for Survival

Gaya: Crushed under the weight of extreme poverty, 40-year-old bike mechanic Rajesh Vishwakarma died on Sunday, leaving behind a family battling hunger and dire living conditions. When he passed away, there was not even a grain of food in the house, and his family had no proper shelter to protect themselves from the cold.

His wife, Babita Devi (36), and their two sons, Ravi (15) and Nikhil (6), are now struggling to survive in a hut.

The severity of their situation moved officials, including Agriculture Department officer Rakesh Singh, who visited the grieving family. “I have never seen such extreme poverty in my life,” he remarked.

Rajesh had been earning a living as a bike shocker mechanic in a small village shop, but he lost his job and was unable to find work afterward. As a result, his family had been without food for two days.

Babita recalled his final hours, saying, “He was restless throughout Saturday night. By morning, he was gone.” Hunger and stress are believed to have played a role in his sudden demise.

Rajesh’s elder son, Ravi Vishwakarma, was set to appear for his Class 10 board exams starting February 17, but instead, he had to perform his father’s last rites. Due to financial hardship, his father had sent him to his maternal grandmother’s house to study, as he could not afford to support his education at home. However, his maternal relatives, too, are struggling to make ends meet.

The family’s living conditions are heartbreaking—they sleep on a bed of straw, and rainwater leaks through the roof. Villagers have stepped in to provide food and other essentials, but long-term relief is still uncertain.

Following Rajesh’s death, local authorities and social workers have pledged to support Babita and her children. Village Deputy Mukhiya Sunny Kumar assured,”I have recently taken office, and I will ensure Babita gets all possible help. Along with government schemes, we are seeking assistance from social workers to build her a permanent house.”

Meanwhile, 37 people have come forward with financial assistance, and officials are working to secure government aid for the family. Guraru Police Station Head Chahat Kumar described their condition as “pathetic” and assured every possible effort to help.

Additionally, the Agriculture Department has promised financial support for Babita and her children, with efforts underway to connect them with government schemes and NGOs.

In an effort to prevent further suffering, authorities immediately issued a job card, included Babita’s name in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and provided a Nal-Jal Yojana water connection.

Tragically, these benefits came too late for Rajesh, who died before he could see any relief.