Cops spring birthday surprise on senior citizen

Lalita Subramanian, 83, was left surprised when a Matunga police team, along with Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe and Senior Police Inspector B M Kakad, arrived at her doorstep on Monday afternoon.

Subramanian was all smiles when she realised the team had brought a cake to celebrate her birthday. Subramanian, who has been staying alone for 20 years at her Wadala residence, was humbled by the gesture.

Subramanian has three children — a son and a daughter who are stay in the US, and another son who works in Bengaluru. Subramanian has a 20-year-old bond with Matunga police after she approached them regarding a case. Since then, both parties have been in contact with each other regularly. "Everyone at the police station calls her mummy. She is like a family member. There are times when she is unable to speak due to asthma-related complications. During such times, she contacts us for help and a team rushes to her house immediately.

Our female officers are also in the know about the medicine Subramanian needs, and ensure she takes them on time," said Kakad. "I have never felt lonely because my friends at the police station, and children, take good care of me," said Subramanian.