Pune: A 14-year-old boy from Jejuri, Samarth Rananavare, suffered severe burns after accidentally coming in contact with a high-voltage (33 kV) power line while retrieving a badminton shuttlecock. The incident has left him with 50% burns on his body, requiring prolonged medical treatment. His family is struggling to meet the estimated ₹5-6 lakh hospital expenses and is seeking financial assistance.
The incident occurred when Samarth was playing badminton with his friends. During the game, the shuttlecock fell onto a ledge of a nearby terrace. While attempting to retrieve it, Samarth accidentally touched a high-voltage power line and suffered a severe electric shock. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Pune, where he has been undergoing treatment since February 7.
Doctors have confirmed serious burn injuries on his head, back, legs, and nearly half of his body. His treatment requires at least 15 more days of hospitalization, and the medical costs are expected to exceed ₹5-6 lakh.
Family's Struggles: Financial Hardships and Theft
Samarth’s father, Amar Rananavare, originally from Rakh village (Purandar Taluka), has been living in Jejuri for several years. He has been working as a contract-based community organizer for municipal schemes for over 11 years, earning a modest salary.
Tragically, Samarth is the only surviving child of the Rananavare family. Before his birth, Amar and his wife had lost three children shortly after birth.
Adding to their hardships, while the family was at the hospital attending to Samarth, their house in Jejuri was burglarized, and valuables worth ₹70,000 were stolen.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Despite financial difficulties, Samarth’s family, along with his school teachers, Maharashtra State Electricity Board employees, relatives, and well-wishers, have managed to raise ₹5.3 lakh. However, further assistance is required to ensure continued treatment and recovery.
To support Samarth’s treatment, the Sakal Social Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign under its "Social for Action" initiative.
How to Help
Individuals and organizations willing to contribute can do so via:
Online Donation: Visit https://socialforaction.com/ and click on "Donate Now."
Direct Bank Transfer:
Name: Sakal Social Foundation
Bank Account No: 459104000021252
Bank: IDBI Bank, Pune
IFSC Code: IBKL0000459
After donating, please send transaction details via WhatsApp to: 8605017366
For further assistance, contact the SFA team at support@socialforaction.com or call 8605017366.