Woman killed in Kalkaji incident caregiver for son with cancer, says family

Tina Devi, 49, who died in the Kalkaji Mandir stage collapse on Sunday morning, had been visiting the temple every day since her youngest son was detected with blood cancer around four years ago, said her husband, Ved Prakash, 52, a vegetable vendor.

- Karn Pratap Singh

Unlike other days, when she would return home after offering prayers at the temple, Tina stayed behind on Sunday to attend the annual Mata Jagran (religious event) that was organised at the Mahant Parisar in the temple, and watch performances by singers B Praak and Kanhaiya Mittal.

She was standing near an elevated platform made of wood and iron frames that was set up at the venue for families of the organisers and their VIP guests, when it collapsed on to her, the family said. Tina was the only person killed in the accident. Seventeen people, including women and children, were injured.

"My wife was a true believer. She believed that her faith in god will help cure our son, Varun (who goes by a single name). Her visits to Kalkaji Temple became part of her daily routine since he was diagnosed with blood cancer four years ago. We never stopped her," said Prakash.