Pune: The parents of Vedant Sonune, a student who died of dengue in August 2024 while residing in the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel on Ghole Road, are still awaiting a refund of the ₹4 lakh medical bill they paid for his treatment.

The family borrowed the amount from relatives to clear the dues at the private hospital, which had refused to release Vedant’s body until the bill was paid.

Vedant, along with another student, Siddhant Khaire, succumbed to dengue due to alleged unhygienic conditions and lack of basic amenities in the hostel. Vedant’s parents have accused the municipal corporation of negligence, claiming that poor maintenance of the hostel was the primary reason for their son's death.

In their pursuit of justice, Vedant’s parents have been following up with the PMC for months, seeking reimbursement of the medical expenses. However, there has been little progress.

“The municipal corporation has our original medical bill. It has been forwarded to the health department for processing. Additionally, we are exploring whether the compensation can be disbursed from PMC funds without waiting for approval from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” said Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner of PMC’s Social Welfare Department.

MNS Student Wing’s Intervention

Prashant Kanojia, a representative of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Student Wing, has urged the municipal commissioner to intervene in the matter. “The municipal commissioner must address this issue and provide relief to Vedant’s family, whose financial condition is dire. They have already suffered the loss of their son,” Kanojia stated.

The municipal corporation has assured that the medical bills will be processed and that the possibility of using PMC funds for immediate relief is under consideration. However, with months of delay and no clear resolution in sight, Vedant’s parents remain in despair, struggling to repay the debt they incurred during their tragic loss.