Grandma With Cancer Found in Garbage, Alone
A 60-year-old woman battling advanced skin cancer was found abandoned in a pile of garbage in Aarey Colony of Mumbai. The woman, later identified as Yashoda Gaikwad, reportedly told police that her grandson had left her there.
The Shocking Discovery
At approximately 8:30 AM on Saturday, Mumbai Police received a tip-off regarding a woman lying in a garbage heap in Aarey Colony. Upon arrival, officers found the elderly woman in a frail and helpless condition, suffering from an open, untreated facial wound. This wound appeared consistent with late-stage skin cancer, and a visible infection had spread across her nose and cheeks.
Delayed Medical Response
Despite the severity of her condition, police reportedly struggled for several hours to find a hospital willing to admit her. While she was located early in the morning, Yashoda was not admitted until 5:30 PM, nearly nine hours later.
Multiple hospitals refused admission, citing either a lack of necessary facilities or her critical condition. Initially turned away by Cooper Hospital as well, she was eventually admitted there after a second attempt.
She has an ulceroproliferative growth a form of rapidly growing skin lesion on her nose and cheek. The provisional diagnosis is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), a common type of skin cancer, though typically less aggressive. Her vital signs were reported as stable at the time of admission, but she remains under close observation.
Allegations Against Family
In a weak voice, Yashoda informed police that she had previously lived with her grandson in Malad. She said simply, “My grandson left me here.” She also provided addresses in both Malad and Kandivali, which may belong to other family members.
The police are currently investigating her claims. As of now, no family members have come forward to provide any information.
Search for Relatives
Authorities have circulated her photo across local police stations and are reviewing CCTV footage from roads near the area. Unfortunately, there are no security cameras directly covering the dumping site, making identification of the person responsible more challenging.
Senior Inspector Ravindra Patil of Aarey Police Station has issued a public appeal:
“If anyone recognises this woman, please contact Aarey Police Station immediately.”
Conclusion
This heartbreaking case underlines the urgent need for better elder care systems, quicker medical response protocols, and stronger social support for vulnerable patients. As Mumbai police continue their investigation, it remains to be seen whether those responsible for this act of abandonment will be held accountable.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
