Tragic Incident Near Railway Tracks Shocks Local Community

In a heart-wrenching discovery, the body of an elderly woman was found among the bushes along the railway tracks near the Jeevandaan Hospital in Gaujajali. Early on Sunday morning, residents out for their daily walk noticed something unusual in the shrubbery by the tracks and immediately alerted local authorities. Police later identified the woman as Hansi Devi, an 85-year-old who had spent several years living at a leprosy ashram in Moti Nagar. Known for her quiet resilience, she relied on begging for her livelihood, as her family ties had been fractured for decades.

Hansi Devi led a life marked by challenges. Originally from the area, she moved to Haldwani years ago and stayed in the ashram, enduring her circumstances with strength and dignity. Her son, who lives with his family in Dehradun, had been separated from her since he was just four years old, leading Hansi to navigate life alone. Despite this, she remained a familiar figure around the community, often seen collecting alms.

According to police, preliminary observations suggest that Hansi Devi may have accidentally been struck by a passing train. She had left the ashram on Friday, her routine day to go out and seek assistance. Unfortunately, she didn’t return that evening. The circumstances of her death indicate she could have been hit while navigating near the tracks, possibly while walking back. Police officer Babita shared that there were visible bruises on Hansi’s body, hinting at a traumatic impact.

Upon identifying her, police informed her estranged son, who traveled from Dehradun to perform her last rites. The reunion, though in tragic circumstances, marked an end to Hansi’s decades-long solitude. Her son shared how life had parted them when he was very young, leaving her to a difficult, isolated path.

This incident has struck a deep chord within the local community, drawing attention to the dangers present near railway tracks, especially for vulnerable individuals. It serves as a somber reminder for people to exercise caution in these areas. Police are continuing to investigate to rule out any other possible causes of death, though it appears to be a tragic accident.