One error, many repercussions

The Carter Road accident on November 12, 2006, that killed seven pavement dwellers also devastated the life of Pareira family. Media regularly termed Allister “rich-and-spoilt” and clubbed his case with every accident that killed people in Mumbai. Preety Acharya meets with the family and finds out life after the high-profile drunk driving accident, in which Allister was behind the wheel

“Till now, I can’t believe that my son who never hurt even an ant is fighting such a case and has been branded as criminal.

When he came from the jail after the accident, it was very difficult to convince him to behave normally. He was in a shock, he couldn’t sleep at all for many nights,” said his mother Cynthia Pareira, teary-eyed.

Talking about the family’s relationship with Allister after the accident, she said, “He feels uncomfortable in front of us; he thinks that because of him, the whole family is going through problems and pains.”

According to the family, there is a significant change in the behaviour and nature of Allister.

“He was always a loving guy and a great support to the family. But now, sometimes, we don’t even realise that he is sitting with us because he is so quiet and always thinking about the accident and the case.

He pretends to be normal for that he talks to make us happy but we can see the pain on his face which is more painful for us because he doesn’t share his tension with us…..” said sister Cliantha Pareira.

The family is also very disappointed with his “friends”. “He himself is not in touch with them after this incident.

But, as a friend, they also didn’t even try to talk to him or to give him any kind of moral support and did not come forward to tell the truth. Maybe, through all this God wants to teach him the reality of life,” said his mother.

When DNA asked the family about Allister’s drinking habits, the family got a tad disappointed with the people and the media.

“He was never a heavy drinker, but especially after that night, now, he can’t even stand the smell of alcohol because he thinks that a drop of alcohol can destroy the happiness of a whole family,” the mother said.

When asked as to how he is going to start his life all over again, “It’s not only about Allister our whole family is trying to lead our lives normally but it’s very difficult.

Because even when we go out for a simple coffee, media starts following us and people pass ruthless comments which is very heart-breaking,” said his sister.

While talking about his time in jail, mother’s throat gets choked with emotion and tears starts trickling down.

“He didn’t tell me anything about his life in jail because he didn’t want to give us more tension but we all knew how difficult life is in a jail.

He took the Bible with him and he spent his time reading it. I wish no family goes through the kind of situation we are going through,” said the mother.

His sister continued, “When the high court sentenced him with three years’ imprisonment, he was into a deep shock.

In fact, we all were shocked. But after a few minutes, he came up to me and said Cliantha I don’t know what is going to happen with me but now you have to take care of mummy and papa. Try to forget me and think that I was never a member of
your family”.

“Allister, being my only son, has been assisting me in my business. He has been a real pillar of strength to me. And, just when I thought he was ready to take over the business, this mishap occurred, which has nearly shaken us all and has made him unsure of his future.

Moreover, since I am a heart patient and my health doesn’t permit to work as before, especially when Allister is not with me. Even now, I find it difficult to get him back to his earlier enthusiastic-self,” said his father Anthony Pareira.

His mother ends the conversation saying: “I wish, no mother has to see her children suffering the way I am seeing mine.

I can only say that whatever happened is a sad incident and our whole family feels very sad for the people who lost their lives, but believe me my son is not a murderer.

He is a guy who celebrated his 18th birthday with old people, he can’t even dream of hurting anybody.”