A FATHER-OF-THREE from Derry has been killed and his daughter badly injured in a car accident in India.
Rajesh Bacheta’s sister, Neelam, was also killed in the crash in Rajasthan state at the weekend.
Mr Bacheta’s daughter Sophie, as well as his mother Rampyaree, were seriously injured in the accident and are being treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital in the city of Ajmer.
Mr Bacheta, whose wife Mary is principal of Chapel Road Primary School in Derry, was on holiday in India where he was visiting family.
A native of London, he had lived in Derry for the past 20 years and worked at the city’s Premier Inn hotel.
He is survived by his wife, his daughters Sophie and Kala and his son Dhillon.
News of Mr Bacheta’s death was greeted with shock on social media. In a Facebook post, well-known retired Derry doctor Kanwar Panesar said was saddened to hear of the fatal crash.
Dr Panesar said: “Our thoughts are with the family and concerns about Rampyaree and Sophie who are in hospital in Ajmer."
Another friend, Amit Khilosia paid tribute to Mr Bacheta.
“I count myself lucky to have shared that time and experiences with him. RIP Raj and Neelam,” he said.
