Dombivali: Tragedy struck the Lele family as Sanjay Lele lost his life in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It has been confirmed by the family that Sanjay’s son, Harshal, who was accompanying him, miraculously survived. Although Harshal sustained a bullet injury to his finger, relatives say it was a small mercy bestowed on the family amid the larger heartbreak.
Cousins of the deceased recalled the shockwave that hit the family when news of the attack flashed across television screens. “We were at home, eating and watching TV, when suddenly we saw Sanjay’s picture in the news. We were stunned,” said a cousin.
Sanjay Lele, known among his relatives as a pillar of strength, grew up with his cousins in the same building in Dombivali . They shared a bond deeper than just first cousins, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. “Sanjay never missed Raksha Bandhan or Bhai Dooj. He cared for relationships like a real sibling,” shared a grieving cousin.
The pain for the Lele family is doubled, as memories resurface of Sanjay’s heartbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he lost his father and was unable to perform the last rites due to restrictions.
“He wept before us , saying how helpless he felt. And today, fate has been cruel again,” Lele’s neighbour said.
Just days before the ill-fated trip, Sanjay had visited his neighbours, excitedly telling them about the upcoming journey and making plans for get together upon his return.
“It was supposed to be a time of happiness,” a cousin said, their voice breaking. Sanjay’s sudden demise has left the family devastated, with his sister still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
