Fifty days on, no assistance for the widow of a daily-wage construction worker from Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district and her four minor children
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – More than fifty days have passed since Shahzad Sheikh (28) gave his life to save an eight-year-old girl from drowning in a drain in Mumbai’s Ramabai Colony. But his grieving family is still waiting for help, either from the government or local authorities.
Shahzad, a daily-wage construction worker from the Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh, was hailed as a hero after he rescued Sonali Banjara, a girl from a Dalit family, who fell into a drain while chasing a ball on the afternoon of 18 May. Despite successfully pulling her out, Shahzad himself became stuck in the mud and died.
His act of bravery won him admiration across social media and in the local press. Yet, his widow Rukhsar and four children remain in dire conditions. “Not a single person from the government has come to our house. We have not received any support,” Rukhsar told Clarion India, her voice breaking.
Shahzad was the only earning member of the family. He lived in a rented room in Ramabai Colony with Rukhsar and their children — Shaban (6), Shamsher (5), Sufyan (3), and Shabana (2). After his death, Rukhsar moved with her children to her elder sister’s house, where she is currently observing iddat (the Islamic mourning period for widows).
“My world has shattered,” Rukhsar said. “What should I do? My children’s future is lost. I just want a roof over our heads so I can raise them.”
She recalled Shahzad’s last words. “When he saw the girl drowning, he said to me, ‘If it were my daughter, would I wait?’ and jumped in. He could swim but got stuck in the swamp and never came back.”
Two of Shahzad’s children had just started school before tragedy struck. “Shaban was in first grade and Shamsher was in senior KG,” Rukhsar said. “But we had to stop their education. There’s no money. I can’t even think straight. If someone helps us, maybe I can go back to Ghatkopar and try to rebuild.”
Hasnain Khan, Shahzad’s brother-in-law who works as a salesman in Dadar, said the family is being neglected despite Shahzad’s sacrifice.
“Shehzad did not think twice about his safety,” he said. “He jumped into a dangerous drain to save a stranger’s life. Today, his children have nothing. The government should have at least acknowledged his sacrifice.”
According to Hasnain, the local corporator did send a worker who asked for Shahzad’s death certificate, promising to ‘look into it’. “That was it. Nothing else happened. No support came,” he said.
In response to the family’s plight, social worker Saeed Khan has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging financial aid and housing support for the widow and children.
“Shehzad didn’t care about the girl’s religion — she was not Muslim — but he gave his life to save her,” said Khan. “That is true humanity. His example must not be forgotten. The government should honour him and support his family immediately.”
Khan also mentioned that the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is exploring ways to support the family financially.
Despite his limited means, Shahzad’s selfless act is being remembered as a rare display of courage and compassion.
“It was not just bravery, it was humanity at its best,” said Saeed Khan. “He left behind a legacy, but sadly, his family has been left behind too.”
Shahzad’s widow now waits, hoping that someone in power will listen and act. “My husband saved a life. All I ask is a chance to live with dignity and raise our children. Is that too much?” she asked, tears filling her eyes.
