For Krishna Parab, who earns Rs 12,000 a month as a housekeeping staff member at a private firm, every rupee counts. For 15 years, he has taken odd jobs alongside his regular work to keep his daughter, Sejal, alive. Now 18, she has been battling post-encephalitis sequelae — a rare condition that left her neurologically impaired since 2010. “She was growing up like any other child,” Krishna recalled. “But when she was three, she caught a fever that reached her brain, eventually leading to post-encephalitis sequelae.”
Sejal Parab with her parents at their residence on September 22. PICS/KIRTI SURVE PARADE
On September 6, 2010, doctors diagnosed Sejal with the condition, leaving her parents stunned and unprepared. “We did not even know what it meant. The very first time the doctors explained it to us, we did not even understand what exactly would happen with our daughter. It was only when she started growing up physically, but stayed a three-year-old mentally, that we began to actually understand and experience what the doctors were trying to say when they said that both her brains are damaged permanently,” said Sanjana Parab, Sejal’s mother.
But just when the Parabs thought things could not get worse, Krishna was cheated in a digital fraud that left him shattered — financially and emotionally. In May 2025, fraudsters lured him with the promise of Rs 5 lakh in returns against a one-time payment of Rs 15,000. Desperate for funds for Sejal’s treatment, Krishna clung to the hope. Instead, he lost his savings.
Sanjana Parab does her daughter Sejal’s hair as the teenager’s father, Krishna, looks on at their Worli home
“I didn’t think someone would cheat a father only trying to save his child,” he said, breaking down. “It was money I had saved by skipping meals. They took it and vanished.” The Rs 15,000 loss equalled more than a month’s salary, money he had earmarked for therapies and medication. Still, Krishna tries to stay strong. “The doctor said Sejal has shown 0.5 per cent improvement recently. For us, that is everything. But I don’t know how much longer I can continue.”
A 15-year battle
Sejal has lived with severe neurological complications since encephalitis struck her as a toddler — unable to talk or walk properly, needing constant care. Every small milestone has been a victory: moving her fingers, sitting up, or managing a few steps on her own. “She smiles sometimes,” Krishna said. “Her eyes speak volumes. That keeps me going.”
The Parabs have tried everything — government hospitals, private neurologists, physiotherapy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, even faith healers. With little money, they relied on donations, credit from medical shops, and neighbours’ goodwill. In recent months, homoeopathy has shown some progress, but seizures persist. The family continues to hope.
An urgent call for help
Social workers warn that families like the Parabs are vulnerable to scams. “In desperation, they become easy prey,” said activist Nayana Deshpande. “We need better community outreach and real-time financial support for such families.” In a city of millions, the Parabs remain a quiet reminder of resilience — a father’s love stretched thin, but unbroken.
How you can help
Krishna Parab (UPI transfers accepted) 7977721042
Sejal diagnosed with post-encephalitis sequelae: September 6, 2010 (aged 3)
Date of online fraud: May 19, 2025
Numbers used by scammers (as per NC):
Huseen Manuyri
923481174363
Rana Pratap Singh
923041860612
2010
Year Sejal was diagnosed with rare neurological condition
