‘Hema Malini Could Have Helped my Daughter,’ Says Father of 2-Year-Old Killed in Accident

JAIPUR:  At a hospital in Jaipur, the father of a two-year-old child who was killed in an accident with Hema Malini’s car in Rajasthan last week responded bitterly to tweets by the actor-politician accusing him of violating traffic rules.

“My daughter was flung on the road according to eye witnesses. She could have helped my child at least. Anyone could have taken pity on a two-year-old child, she could have taken my daughter with her,” said Harsh Khandelwal, who is still in hospital, recovering from a fracture.

Hema Malini, 66, has been criticised for leaving the accident site in Dausa without reaching out to the family or offering help. She was driven away to Jaipur soon after the crash and taken to a private hospital. The Khandelwals allegedly had to wait and were taken to a government hospital.

Ms Malini has provoked more condemnation with her tweets this morning.

“My heart goes out to the child who unnecessarily lost her life and the family members who have been injured in the accident. How I wish the girl’s father had followed the traffic rules – thn this accident could have been averted & the lil one’s life safe!” posted the 66-year-old BJP lawmaker.

Mr Khandelwal said it was Hema Malini’s car that had been speeding when it crashed into his Maruti Alto car. His wife’s legs were crushed and she has stitches on her face. Their six-year-old son is also in hospital with a fractured leg.

“I had my indicator on. I saw the road was clear and then took a turn. What traffic rule did I break? Was I speeding? Her car was at 150 plus speed. She is a big name but must at least think before speaking. Instead of blaming me… had my little girl been taken to hospital with Hema Malini she could have been saved now,” he said.