An elderly tribal woman from Madurai, who lost her right leg in an accident involving a government bus and was subsequently abandoned by her children, is struggling for a single square meal a day.
Dollar, a member of the Narikuravar tribal community living in Sakkimangalam, Madurai, lost her husband years ago.
She managed her livelihood by selling small items like needles and beads. Now, old age, combined with the catastrophic injuries that she sustained during the accident, has robbed her of her independence and means of survival.
The incident took place on July 22, 2025, when Ms. Dollar tried to board a Periyar-bound TNSTC bus at the Appar School bus stop in Karuppayurani.
According to her account, the bus abruptly lurched forward while she was boarding, causing her to fall.
The rear wheel of the vehicle ran over her right leg, inflicting severe trauma. She was rushed to the Government Rajaji Hospital, where, despite intensive medical intervention, doctors were ultimately forced to amputate her right leg.
Widowed and receiving no support from her four children, Ms. Dollar now finds herself isolated. With no regular source of income, she is struggling to secure even a single meal daily.
With tears in her eyes, she has appealed to the authorities for justice. She is demanding strict action against those responsible for the accident, rightful financial compensation, and immediate government welfare assistance to secure her livelihood and for basic survival.
Published – October 05, 2026 08:23 pm IST
