Mumbai police have launched an investigation after a woman suffering from advanced skin cancer was found dumped on a garbage mound in Aarey Colony on Saturday morning. The 60-year-old, identified as Yashoda Gaikwad, was reportedly left by her grandson, according to her statement to officers.

Yashoda Says Grandson Abandoned Her on Garbage Pile

Following a tip-off, police reached Unit No. 32 in Aarey around 8:30 am, where they discovered Yashoda lying in frail condition, dressed in a pink nightdress and grey petticoat. Her face showed signs of severe infection and untreated cancer wounds. She whispered to the police, “My grandson left me here.” She had been living in Malad with him, as reported by Mid-Day.

Attempts to get her medical care were initially unsuccessful. Jogeshwari Trauma Care Hospital cited lack of infrastructure and turned her away, followed by a similar response from Cooper Hospital. Only after Senior Inspector Ravindra Patil stepped in was she finally admitted around 5:30 pm. One officer from Aarey remarked, “If police can show this much commitment to a stranger, why can’t government hospitals show some basic humanity?”

Cooper Hospital Confirms Skin Cancer for Abandoned Woman

Doctors at Cooper Hospital later confirmed she was suffering from a condition consistent with skin cancer. Dr. Sudhir Medhekar, the hospital’s dean, said she had “ulceroproliferative growth on her nose and cheek,” and identified the condition as basal cell carcinoma. Her vitals were reported as stable.

To locate her relatives, police have circulated her image across several stations and checked the two addresses she provided in Malad and Kandivali, but no known relatives have been found so far. CCTV footage from surrounding roads is being examined, although the exact spot where she was abandoned lacks surveillance. “We appeal to the public, if anyone recognises her, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Aarey police station,” appealed Inspector Patil.