Thrown from Train, Youth Vows to Walk Again

Two years ago, on May 19, 2024, Tushar Thakur, then 25, was traveling by train from Jammu to Ahmedabad when an altercation over smoking allegedly led to him being assaulted and thrown from the moving Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express near Ludhiana.

The violent incident resulted in a severe spinal cord injury and a crushed vertebral bone, leaving Tushar permanently wheelchair-bound. This tragic event shattered his aspirations of joining the defense forces, a dream he had pursued diligently.

Despite facing medical setbacks and initial discouragement from doctors, Tushar remains remarkably determined. He is currently studying for the UPSC examinations from his home in Jammu, fueled by a strong will to recover and reclaim his life.

His father, Virander Singh, has been instrumental in his care, spending an estimated Rs 25-30 lakh on Tushar's extensive treatment across multiple hospitals. The family has also received some compensation and donations but is struggling to find closure.

The police investigation has yielded no leads, with the Government Railway Police in Ludhiana considering filing a closure report for the untraceable case. The family expresses frustration over the lack of progress in apprehending the individuals responsible for the attack.

Tushar, however, focuses on his future, drawing strength from his parents' support and his own resolve. He expresses a deep longing to walk again, play with his dog Bruno, and resume the active life he lost.