Landslides in Wayanad Kerala: Woman orphaned by floods in Meppadi, loses fiancé in accident Rahul Gandhi expresses his condolences

Shruti, a 24-year-old woman from Kerala's Wayanad district, who was still recovering from the loss of her entire family in the recent catastrophic landslides, suffered another blow on Wednesday when her fiance succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident. Jenson, 27, who was in critical condition after the accident on Tuesday, died at 8.50 pm, a spokesperson from Dr Moopen Medical College, where he was being treated, reported PTI.

Shruti, an accountant at a hospital in Kozhikode district, lost nine family members, including her parents and younger sister, in the landslides that hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages of Meppadi panchayat on July 30. Her only support during this time was her fiancé, Jenson, to whom she was engaged on June 2 after a 10-year-long relationship.

Just days before the accident, on August 29, the couple had visited the Puthumala cemetery, where some of Shruti's family members are buried, and reaffirmed their loyalty to each other. They had originally planned a grand wedding in December, but due to circumstances, they opted for a simple, court-registered marriage in September.

On September 10, Jenson was seriously injured when his car collided head-on with a private bus. Shruti and other family members of Jenson, who were also travelling in the car, were also injured. Jenson, who worked for a car cleaning company, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with multiple injuries, including severe bleeding from the nose and brain.

Rahul Gandhi expresses his condolences to Shruti

Rahul Gandhi, MP, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Shruti. Speaking about her strength, he said, “During our visit to the Meppadi camp where the victims of the landslide in Wayanad were housed, Priyanka and I learned about Sruthi and her unwavering strength. Despite suffering the devastating loss of several family members, we were told she remained resilient and brave.”

He said: “Today I am deeply saddened to learn that she has experienced another heartbreaking tragedy – the loss of her fiancé Jenson. Sruthi, my deepest condolences go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. I wish you a speedy recovery too.”

“May you find the strength and courage to carry on with the same unwavering spirit,” he added.

The tragedy occurred after Shruti lost her home, around Rs 400,000 in cash and about 15 sovereigns in gold in the landslides that claimed over 200 lives.