After the blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, sorrow and silence envelop the area outside the Maulana Azad Medical College mortuary. Those who arrived to identify their relatives are broken in spirit. Tears fill some eyes, while others struggle to find words. Eight out of ten deceased have been identified. From searching for a son to identifying a brother by his clothing, every family has an incomplete story and the same question…what was their fault?
Mohsin's Family Shattered
Mohsin's family identified him at the morgue, leading to a familial dispute. His wife wanted to take the body home, while his mother insisted on taking it with her. Mohsin's family came from Meerut, where the funeral will be conducted.
Ashok Kumar and Lokesh, Friends Dying Together
Ashok Kumar was a bus conductor, off for the day, meeting his friend Lokesh from Amroha who ran a fertilizer store. Ending their meet-up, both planned to return home but were killed by the explosion. Both families took the journey to return with their loved ones.
Dinesh Mishra, a Printer from Chawri Bazaar
34-year-old Dinesh Mishra, a resident of Shravasti in UP, worked in Delhi's Chawri Bazaar, printing wedding and visiting cards. He leaves behind his children, who are now left fatherless. His young son repeatedly cried out for him. His brother-in-law tearfully mentioned, 'Never imagined we'd witness such a day.'
A 22-Year-Old from Bihar
Pankaj Sahani of Samastipur (Bihar) had dropped a relative at the Old Delhi station. He last spoke to his uncle Nikesh, discussing laundry, at 4:30 PM. The next day, after media images of a wrecked car, his family realized it was his, involved in the explosion at the red light, leaving no chance of survival.
He Managed a Cosmetic Shop
Nomaan Ansari from Shamli had gone to Delhi for wholesale goods, accompanied by his friend Aman, who's now in LNJP hospital's emergency ward. Their other friend Sonu recounted how life ended in an instant.
Jumman’s Sister Cries Out
35-year-old Mohammed Jumman, a local rickshaw driver, left behind a wife and four children. His sister searched for him after the blast, urging for answers, 'Tell me, what happened to my brother? Is he alive?' Mohammed Mahfooz, his nephew, located him by tracing his phone to the hospital. Jumman's uncle Idris searched, showing his photo to media and uttered through tears, 'This is my child.'
A Body in Pieces
His family finally received his remains, identified by clothing due to limited belongings — a sole breadwinner with a disabled wife. Idris hopes for some assistance from the government, although Jumman will not return.
Up to now, 8 out of 10 deceased have been identified and their bodies returned to their families. Each face outside the MAMC morgue tells a story of waiting, belief, and sudden catastrophe…
