{
  "id": 14088224,
  "title": "‘I manifest I will walk again’: A train tragedy irreversibly damaged his spine, but failed to break his will",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/i-manifest-i-will-walk-again-a-train-tragedy-irreversibly-damaged-his",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T01:10:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/jammu-tushar-thakur-train-attack-spinal-injury-10918690/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tushar Thakur, a 25-year-old resident of Jammu, is grappling with the consequences of a spinal cord injury sustained during a train journey to Ahmedabad on May 19, 2024. Initially preparing for the UPSC examinations, eager to join the defence forces, the accident has left him confined to a wheelchair or bed. His dream of reclaiming his active lifestyle, including playing with his dog Bruno and participating in sports, remains unfulfilled.\n\nThe tragedy unfolded when Tushar objected to three young men smoking inside the train coach, leading to a confrontation where he was allegedly punched, kicked, and thrown out near Ludhiana railway station. The incident irrevocably damaged his spinal cord, requiring him to spend over two months in recovery. Despite the grim prognosis, Tushar remains resolute, declaring his intention to walk again, driven by his family's support and a belief in a greater purpose.\n\nInitially, doctors at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, refused to perform a life-saving surgery, asserting that he would never walk again. However, his determination to recover persisted. Tushar's father, Virander Singh, an employee in Jammu's power department, also pressed for action, ultimately prompting the Government Railway Police (GRP) to register an FIR only six days after the incident.\n\nThe Government Railways Claims Tribunal awarded Tushar Rs 4 lakh in compensation, while additional funds of Rs 1 lakh were raised through public donations organized by then Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney. Despite the financial support, the GRP Ludhiana has not managed to apprehend the alleged assailants, leading to a stalemate in their investigation. The Special DGP's recent retirement has only added to the frustration, as no witnesses or evidence have surfaced to clarify the incident.\n\nTushar acknowledges his current limitations, missing out on activities like playing with his dog, running, and riding a bike. Yet, he remains optimistic about his future, stating he is studying again due to his parents' sacrifices and the encouragement he has received from various political figures. With his lower back stabilized, Tushar maintains an unwavering belief that he will walk again, a sentiment echoed by his father, who has already incurred over Rs 25-30 lakh in medical expenses for Tushar's treatment.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}