In a plea, Poonam Runwal, the Indian mother who lost her husband Anand and daughter in a tragic train accident in Sydney, has asked the public to refrain from making donations to the family due to concerns about online scams, Stuff reported.
Anand Runwal, 40, died heroically while attempting to save his daughters after their pram rolled onto the train tracks at Carlton Station on Sunday.
The tragedy has elicited an outpouring of support, especially from the Indians in Sydney Facebook group. However, Nadeen Ahmed, who manages the group, revealed that the family has requested that fundraising efforts cease.
"The family got in touch and asked us not to do that," Ahmed told The Daily Mail Australia. "They didn't want anyone to use this tragedy to steal people's money. I don't think they would be able to handle seeing fake fundraising accounts online."
Ahmed noted that Anand's former employer, Infosys, is providing support to the family. A spokesperson for the company confirmed their assistance, stating, "Our prayers are with his wife, his other child, extended family, and colleagues. We are providing every possible support to his family during this time of grief and are also in touch with local authorities."
Anand, who worked as an IT consultant at Westpac through Infosys, was remembered fondly by the bank's chief information officer, Scott Collary. "Anand was a much-loved member of Westpac’s technology team," Collary said. "We are devastated by the tragic accident. Our hearts go out to Anand’s family and friends at this difficult time. We’re providing support to his family and his colleagues here at Westpac. He will be greatly missed."
Police have commended Anand’s bravery, highlighting his instinctive act of saving his children in the face of danger.
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