A laborer’s body remained in Kalyan’s hospital morgue for 3 hours after ambulance drivers fought over fare. The incident exposes rampant extortion by private operators, sparking calls for immediate action.
Kalyan | July 16, 2025: A distressing incident of alleged extortion and negligence has surfaced at Rukminibai Hospital in Kalyan, exposing the grim reality of private ambulance operations. The body of a laborer, Kariya Bichappa—who died after falling from a building—remained in the hospital morgue for nearly three hours due to a heated dispute between two ambulance drivers over fare demands.
Kariya, a native of Telangana and father of three daughters, was working in Kalyan when he lost his life in a tragic accident. His autopsy was conducted at Rukminibai Hospital, and his financially struggling relatives were preparing to take his body back to his village. That’s when they encountered a bitter hurdle.
A private ambulance driver, Roshan Sheikh Nava, initially demanded Rs 25,000 to transport the body to Telangana—a 700 km journey. Unable to afford the high cost, Kariya’s relatives negotiated with Sameer Memon, another ambulance driver, who agreed to take the body for Rs 15,000. But things took an ugly turn when Roshan allegedly obstructed Sameer, leading to a prolonged argument between the two.
During this time, the deceased’s body was left in limbo inside the morgue, further distressing the grieving family. Sameer later alleged that Roshan was using intimidation in the name of a non-existent ambulance union. “There’s no union here, but this kind of bullying continues unchecked,” Sameer stated. Roshan, however, denied blocking any vehicle and maintained that his fare reflected the distance and operational costs.
This incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing extortion by private ambulance operators at Rukminibai Hospital. Locals allege that this isn’t the first case. In the past, a woman reportedly died due to a delay caused over a mere Rs 1,000 fare dispute.
The KDMC administration has been accused of inaction despite repeated complaints. Many are now questioning whether the municipal corporation will continue to remain a mute spectator as poor families are exploited during their most vulnerable moments.
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