A routine journey home after an audition ended in devastating tragedy for a 13-year-old Marathi child actor in Bhandup, after her mother was killed in a horrific bus accident that unfolded just a few feet away from her.
According to police, Pranita Sandip Rasam (35) and her daughter were returning from Dadar on Monday night after the teenager attended an audition. The family lives near Sai Bihar in Bhandup (West). Like thousands of daily commuters, they alighted near Bhandup railway station and stood at a crowded bus stop to continue their journey home.
Split-second sacrifice saves child
Chaos erupted moments later when an electric AC bus operating on BEST route 606 suddenly lurched forward, jumped the queue and rammed into passengers waiting at the stop. Eyewitnesses believe Pranita realised the danger in a split second and pushed her daughter away with all her strength.
The girl fell aside and escaped with minor injuries. Pranita was crushed under the wheels of the bus and suffered fatal injuries.
In shock, the teenager borrowed a mobile phone from a bystander and called her father, Sandeep Rasam, telling him there had been a major accident and that her mother was missing. By the time he reached the spot, Pranita had succumbed to her injuries.
Child actor left traumatised
Witnesses said the girl broke down inconsolably after realising her mother had died saving her life. She was rushed to a private hospital for treatment and counselling.
The teenager is known in Marathi television circles for playing small supporting roles in serials. Neighbours described her as bright and ambitious, often juggling school, homework and shoots. Pranita was the driving force behind her daughter’s acting aspirations, accompanying her to auditions while managing the household.
On Monday evening, Pranita had reportedly told her husband she would return soon after the audition. Instead, he brought her body home.
Four killed, driver arrested
The crash claimed four lives — Pranita Sandip Rasam, Mansi Meghshyam Gurav (49), Varsha Sawant (25) and Prashant Dattu Shinde (45). Eleven others were injured and shifted to hospitals in Ghatkopar, Mulund and Bhandup.
The driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), has been arrested. He allegedly told police that the bus moved forward automatically when he released the handbrake. However, police have booked him for negligent driving, citing the heavy pedestrian presence near Bhandup station.
The bus has been seized for technical inspection, CCTV footage is being examined, and statements of eyewitnesses and staff are being recorded.