Thane building collapse: In his dying moments, he saved his kitten

It was learnt that Mahadeo Barve (70) used to stay alone in his third-floor flat with only his kitten for company.

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Police personnel with the rescued kitten. It suffered minor injuries. (Express Photo by Deepak Joshi)

A 70-year-old man who died in the building collapse in Thane managed to save his pet kitten. Rescuers found the kitten alive and the man’s arms protectively wrapped round his pet, his sole companion in his third-floor flat.

It was learnt that Mahadeo Barve (70) used to stay alone in his third-floor flat with only his kitten for company. Naupada police said Barve’s wife works in Pune and his son studies abroad.

“Barve was the last victim to be pulled out. When we reached his body, his arms were wrapped around his kitten, which was alive,” said an NDRF officer who was present at the spot.

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Deputy Commandant Sachidanand Gawade, who heads the Mumbai unit of the NDRF, confirmed that a kitten had been rescued. “The kitten suffered some injuries but they were not serious. We handed her over to the police officers who were at the spot before continuing with our rescue efforts,” Gawade said.

Locals said Barve was often seen strolling around the area carrying the kitten in his arms.

The 50-year-old building in the B Cabin area of Thane (west) is a five-minute walk from the Thane railway station.

gautam.mengle@expressindia.com

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