Shrestha’s dreams cut short, wife survived

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Feb. 25: After sweating in the scorching heat of the Gulf countries for a decade, Om Kumar Shrestha, 40, returned Nepal with a firm determination "to do something in his own homeland."

He had started operating a tourist bus named 'Machha Puchchhre Travels', but, ironically! At midnight on Sunday, the same bus he bought with his own sweat and hard work took his life.

Om Kumar, the owner of the bus, died on the spot at 1:30 am on Monday when the bus number Ga 2 Kha 1421 fell off the road in Benighat Rorang-5, Bhainsigouda, Dhading. Shrestha, who was born in Dabung, Myagde Rural Municipality-1 and currently lives in Mohariatar, Byas Municipality-1, has shocked the entire Tanahun district.

This trip was not only for business purposes; it also involved the responsibilities of a father and family happiness. Om Kumar and his wife, Sukmaya Shrestha, were going to Kathmandu from Damauli by their own bus to buy the necessary materials needed to put their daughter in a Bahra Chuyegu or Gufa, according to Newari culture.

However, fate ruined their happy plans midway. Wife Sukmaya was seriously injured in the accident and is currently undergoing treatment in Kathmandu. On the one hand, the pain of losing her life partner and on the other hand, the struggle with life in a hospital bed has made this incident even more heartbreaking.

He was known in society as a very honest, gentle and hardworking person. Sudip Neupane, a resident of Galbubesi, Byas Municipality-1, said.

According to Prakash Dahal, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Dhading, five other people, including four from Tanahun, died in the same accident. 

Rudra Prasad Dhakal, 63, of Bishnu Maya Dhakalsohi of Shuklagandaki Municipality-7, Hari Prasad Sigdel of Bhimad Municipality-6, Archana Poudel, 20, of Shuklagandaki Municipality-2, and Hari Prasad Sigdel, 55, of Bhimad Municipality-6, have died.