18 Jun 2013

RIP Ruma Chatterji

The cycling community is extremely saddened to hear about the tragic passing away of Ruma Chatterji, Coach of the National Junior Team. She was with the National Team at practice today morning on the Greater Noida Expressway, when at around 6 AM, a speeding cab, a Swift, hit her from behind. She sustained severe head injuries and was taken to Kailash Hospital, Noida but could not be saved, succumbing to her wounds. The team is in a state of shock at the incident which happened in front of their eyes. As for the perpetrator, the cab driver is absconding after leaving the car behind.

Hailing from Kolkata, Ruma started cycling in the late 1970s, going on to represent India thrice in international competitions and serving as a coach seven times. She was part of the national team since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was with her as a coach that India produced their best ever show in the Asian Championships in March, winning four medals. A dedicated coach and a strict disciplinarian, she was much loved by her wards.

The 51 year old leaves behind her mother and five sisters. Our heartfelt condolences to Ruma's loved ones. May God grant them the courage to bear this irreparable loss. The cycling community extends its support and stands with them in this moment of grief. Rest In Peace Ruma.
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3 comments:

  1. Anonymous18 June 2013 at 15:22

    Police officials cannot do anything. They are mere spectators, moreover all these cabbies are uneducated and illiterate.

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  2. Ashok K Sharma18 June 2013 at 17:20

    The tragic accidental death of National Cycling Team Coach (Jr.) Roma Chatterji, case is being looked into very seriously. An FIR 343/13 Sections 279 and 304(A) already lodged. The Swift Desire Taxi number DL1 YD 1149, which hit her at around 6AM today on Greater NOIDA Expressway, is confiscated and deposited at Surajpur PS (NOIDA). Its owner is tracked whereas driver is still at large.
    Mr. Bhim Singh Dahia, another Cycling Coach (Retired from Air Force) told UPPolicePR that the Taxi hit Ms. Roma from behind and the car didn't stop after that until she fell head down on the road loosing her helmet in the air somehow.
    Mr. Dahia was also on his motor cycle like Ms. Roma, a little ahead of her, leading a group of 22 cycling sports persons. He took her to Kailash Hospital, Noida but Ms. Roma was declared 'brought dead' with no signs of life traceable.
    UPPolicePR officers talked to the SSP NOIDA, SP City Noida Mr. Yogesh Singh, SP RA Mr. Brijesh Kumar and Inspector Mr. Shashank Chowdhury and conveyed them the cycling community's feelings. The officers are instructed to persue this matter on priority.
    In case anyone wants to provide any information he/she is most welcome to communicate with SP Rural Area NOIDA Mr. Brijesh Kumar 08800338626. Inspector Surajpur Mr. Chowdhury's cell is +919871462467
    Trust us, we are seriously on the job, would leave no stone upturned to ensure justice in this case.
    May God grant them the courage to bear this irreparable loss. Condolences from entire U.P. Police Force to the grieving family and the cyclist community.

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  3. Unknown8 September 2013 at 11:26

    @Ashok K Sharma...thanks for your response and we appreciate the swift action taken. It is essential that those responsible be held accountable as only the fear of being suitably penalised will act as a deterrent. Cyclists are most at risk due to the prevailing insensitive and callous attitude of motorists, as they are seen as easy targets.

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