Birthday party ends in horror

MUMBAI: On Tuesday, Jonathan Ujjainwal celebrated his 23rd birthday and barely a day later, he passed away, falling victim to Mumbai's treacherous roads. Around midnight, Jonathan and Kunal Ullalkar left Palatial Heights at Chandivali on a bike to bring back some food for a small group of friends. A few minute later, their life was cut short. They were flung off their bike after it got stuck in a crumbling utility duct cover and they hit a parked a dumper on the side of the road.
Johathan Ujjainwal, an NRI from Qatar, had flown down to the city on Sunday to celebrate his birthday with his friends and family. Two of his friends had rented the Chandivali flat for a tiny get-together to celebrate his birthday.
Kunal Ullalkar, a 21-year-old environmentalist, accompanied Valentine Xavier to Johathan's party. This was the first time the victims met each other. At midnight, Kunal volunteered to ride to a nearby restaurant. "Since it was his birthday, Johathan insisted that he go along to foot the bill. They left around 12am. When they did not return till 1am, I called Kunal on his cellphone but there was no answer. Later, the police called back on the number and told us what had happened," said Valentine Xavier.
The victims' families are in shock. "I called my son around 2am but a police officer answered his phone and asked me to come to Rajawadi Hospital as my son had got injured in an accident. I was asked to identify the body once I reached the hospital," said Kiran Ulalkar, Kunal's father.
Kunal's friends describe him as a nature lover who would not think twice before rescuing any animal. "No matter what the time, Kunal was always ready to go and help any animal in need. He worked extensively with wildlife and helped rehabilitate snakes, birds and other animals," said Mandy Ferreira, a close friend.
Meanwhile, Saki Naka Police are still investigating the case, a senior police official told TOI. "The driver of the dumper has been booked for negligence and a violation of safety norms, as they were not permitted to park in that area. Thought it is likely to be a accidental death the investigation is still ongoing."