In a deeply distressing incident that sheds light on the growing issue of elder neglect in urban India, a 60-year-old woman battling cancer was found abandoned amidst garbage in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony—allegedly by her own grandson.
The woman, identified as Yashoda Gaikwad, was discovered early Saturday morning in a helpless state, lying near a roadside garbage dump. She was too weak to stand or even cry out for help. Mumbai Police officers, who were on patrol, found her and immediately came to her aid.
Battling Advanced Skin Cancer
According to police sources, Yashoda Gaikwad is suffering from advanced-stage skin cancer. She had no belongings or identification documents with her.
Shocking Accusation: “My Grandson Left Me Here”
Yashoda She told police she used to live in Malad with her grandson and he brought her to Aarey and dumped her beside the garbage that very morning. Yashoda gave police two addresses, one in Malad and another in Kandivli. Police teams visited both locations and questioned residents, but no one could confirm her identity. Although the exact reason for the abandonment is still unclear, the accusation has triggered widespread outrage on social media and among local residents.
Hours of Struggle for Hospital Admission
Despite being rescued in the morning, the woman faced delays of several hours in getting medical help. Multiple hospitals allegedly refused to admit her due to the severity of her condition and the absence of a guardian. It was only around 5:30 PM—after hours of pleading and coordination—that she was finally admitted to Cooper Hospital in Juhu.
This delay has raised serious questions about hospital protocols, especially regarding destitute and elderly patients in critical condition. Citizens and activists have slammed the lack of empathy in the healthcare system.
