West Bengal to bear Bypass braveheart’s hospital cost

KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed her appreciation for Nilanjana Chatterjee, the 47-year-old braveheart who had risked her life to save a 31-year-old woman in distress at Anandapur late on Saturday. In a message to Chatterjee — delivered through police commissioner Anuj Sharma on Tuesday — the CM announced that the government will bear the cost of her treatment.
In a call to Chatterjee, who is recuperating at Ruby Hospital after undergoing a surgery on Monday, the police chief lauded her “exemplary valour”, assured her of all support from Kolkata Police and wished her a speedy recovery. “I wanted to meet you personally, but you have undergone an operation and you need rest,” he said and extended an invitation for a cup of tea after her recovery.
The gestures from the top administrator left both Chatterjee and her husband, Deep Satpati, overwhelmed. “I thank police commissioner Anuj Sharma for the help his force extended me from the time of the incident. I will be grateful to them all my life. I heard from the commissioner that the CM has decided to bear the cost of my treatment. I am grateful to her. I am overwhelmed by the support and praise that people of this city and beyond have showered on me. I feel humbled. I want my city to be safe for its women,” Chatterjee said in a video message. She added that she would not hesitate to help a stranger again. “I have done it before, and I will do it again.”
Sharma also spoke to Chatterjee’s husband, who appreciated the quick response from the cops. “I have said this before and I repeat it now. I was literally crying that night when I could not convince an ambulance to come down. When I dialled 100, the cops calmed me down and said they will send an ambulance within five minutes. They kept their word,” he said.
Sources at Lalbazar said even Garfa police, under whose jurisdiction the couple resides, has been asked to keep in touch with them. Lalbazar later announced that the commissioner has also rewarded the team of Dial 100 for their prompt response.
Chatterjee herself seemed confident of bouncing back at the earliest despite the post-surgery nausea and niggles. “My mother is vomiting a bit. The doctors believe it is due to the anaesthesia, but they will nonetheless carry out a CT scan,” said her daughter. Unperturbed, the braveheart said it was her daughter who was her inspiration. “I saw a girl in distress seeking help. I have a daughter who is younger to her. I wasn’t thinking of anything else. Hence I had no fear. I dragged the girl away and was waving for him (the Honda City driver) to stop the car but he hit me and fled,” said Chatterjee.