Bengaluru: Bengaluru witnessed a surge in firecracker-related accidents during the three-day Diwali celebrations, starting from November 12. Hospitals reported over 60 patients with eye injuries and around 50 with burn injuries.

Minto Hospital received three cases of serious burn injuries, with one patient suspected to have lost sight due to the firecracker accident. Among the cases admitted were an 18-year-old boy from Srirampura with an eye injury, a 10-year-old girl from Dharmavaram, and a 22-year-old youth from Bengaluru. Doctors indicated that the injuries could potentially result in a loss of sight for these patients.

Various parts of the city reported cases of burn injuries on individuals' bodies, with many seeking medical attention at local hospitals. Those with more severe burn injuries turned to Victoria Hospital for treatment.

Despite government orders emphasizing safety and the prevention of environmental pollution, a significant number of people reportedly purchased firecrackers without the necessary safety features, such as the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) logo and QR code. The unavailability of green crackers in some shops led customers to buy from other outlets, potentially contributing to the rise in firecracker-related injuries during Diwali celebrations.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



New Delhi (PTI): When Sanjiv Suryavanshi sold his farm land to fund his 10-year-old son Vaibhav's cricketing aspirations, little did he know that within three years the boy would be scripting history.

During the second and final day of the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Vaibhav, at 13 years and eight months, became the youngest cricketer ever to be picked by a franchise as Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 1.10 crore.

Sanjiv, who owned farm land in his native Motipur village which is 15kms from Samastipur town in Bihar, was lost for words.

"Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now but entire Bihar's son)," Sanjiv told PTI over phone as his son is currently in Dubai for the U-19 Asia Cup.

"My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. I would take him for his cricket coaching to Samastipur and then take him back," he recalled the days of hardships.

So were his finances in place as cricket is an investment?

"Not just investment, it's big investment. Aapko kya bataye humne toh apna zameen tak bech diya. Abhi bhi halat pura sudhra nahi (I have sold my land. Financial issues are still there)."

When asked about the controversies regarding Vaibhav's actual age which many believe is 15 years, the father was quick to clarify.

"When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don't fear anyone. He can again undergo age test," he sounded defiant.

Sanjiv said that Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary's "blessings" have always helped Vaibhav in his journey.

"Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji's blessings are there)."

His base price in the auction was Rs. 30 lakh and Delhi Capitals made the opening bid. RR entered the fray at Rs. 35 lakh and eventually got the better of DC to get the player on board.

So how did this bidding war happened?

"Rajasthan Royals had called him for trials in Nagpur. Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) gave a match situation where he had to score 17 in an over. Bituwa ne 3 chakka mara. Trials mein aat chakka aur char chauwaa mara (He smashed three sixes. At trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours)," the father claimed proudly.

For a 13-year-old, it can be very difficult to understand what it means to earn a crore. So how does he plan to keep his young son away from monetary discussions?

"He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore," Sanjiv said.


BCA lauds selection

=============

BCA president Tiwary was all praise for the prodigy after his 1.10 crore bid for RR.

"Vaibhav Suryavanshi's incredible achievement at such a young age fills us with immense pride," Tiwary said in a statement.

"His journey from Bihar to the IPL is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and determination. The Bihar Cricket Association has always believed in nurturing young talent, and Vaibhav's success highlights the cricketing potential in our state.

"We are confident he will continue to shine and inspire aspiring cricketers across Bihar and beyond. I congratulate Vaibhav and his family."