‘He was planning to buy a Thar’Was Like Family Member, Say Victim’s Neighbours

Bhopal: Expressing shock over his death, several residents of F-Sector in Bhopal's Sundar Nagar described their long-time neighbour Bhagat Ram Sharma like "the eldest member" of their family.Sharma lived in the locality for over four decades before shifting to Samardha in Misrod area about four years ago. However, he frequently visited his old house, which the family rented out, and maintained close ties with neighbours.Manju Tanwar, a neighbour, said, "He and his wife visited just eight days ago. We still can't believe this happened. He was planning to buy a Thar."Sharma is survived by his wife Leela and their three children — daughters Deepika and Ruchika, and son Atul — all IT engineers based in Delhi. Both daughters are married and work in IT firms, while Atul is also employed with a tech company in Delhi. Sharma ran a TV repair business.She added that she called Sharma's wife on Wednesday morning regarding some plumbing work, only to be informed about the accident. "She suffered serious spinal injuries. She is unable to sit or stand… It's a miracle Ruchika's infant daughter survived without injury," Tanwar said.Arti Dubey, who earlier lived on rent in Sharma's house, remembered fondly: "He and his wife would sit outside our house for hours, chatting. He would help resolve our domestic disputes. Our bond was such that he would walk into our kitchen and eat whatever was available without any formality."