An Indian-origin tech professional in California has died after a month-long battle with Valley Fever, a fungal infection that severely damaged his lungs and led to respiratory failure, according to a fundraiser created by his family.
A series of alleged WhatsApp chats linked to Twisha Sharma, a 31-year-old from Noida who died in Bhopal just months after her marriage, has sparked widespread grief and outrage across social media platforms.The screenshots, now circulating widely online, appear to show Twisha pleading with her family while describing emotional distress inside her marital home. As the conversations went viral, they reopened a painful public conversation around the pressure many women face to continue troubled marriages despite repeated signs of suffering.Twisha had reportedly been married into a prominent Bhopal family for only five months.Journalist Piyush Rai, who posts on X under the handle @Benarasiyaa, shared details of the case online and alleged that the family was facing difficulties in its fight for justice.“This nightmare ended in the most tragic way possible – with the death of Twisha Sharma, a young woman from Noida who had married into a powerful Bhopal family just five months ago. Now, even as their daughter’s body lies in the morgue, her family is fighting tooth and nail for justice,” he wrote.He further quoted Twisha’s parents as saying, “The entire system is pitted against us. Attempt being made to cover up.”Journalist Barkha Dutt also reacted to the case and wrote, “Take me home - my life has become hell- Twisha Sharma’s horrific final days bring home, once again, the premium society must stop placing on women remaining in marriages that are literally killing them.”Allegations Against In-Laws SurfaceAccording to claims made by the family and amplified online, Twisha’s mother-in-law, Giribala, is a retired judge who previously served in Bhopal and is among those accused in the case.Twisha’s parents have alleged that Giribala’s influence complicated the legal process and claimed there was a “mismatch” between the post-mortem report and what they described as the “actual findings”.The family is now reportedly requesting that the case be transferred outside Bhopal, either to Delhi or another independent jurisdiction.While several allegations surrounding the case continue to circulate online, official findings are awaited.WhatsApp Messages Become The Centre Of Online DebateThe strongest reactions online emerged after screenshots of Twisha’s alleged WhatsApp conversations with her family surfaced on social media.In one message, Twisha appeared deeply distressed while speaking about accusations made by her husband, Samarth.“Samarth pooch raha hai kiska baccha tha jo abort kiya hai! Mummy yaha par mai bus pagal ho jaungi. Mujhse nahi ho pa raha ab ye sab,” she allegedly wrote.In another exchange, she claimed that her mother-in-law refused to believe complaints against Samarth because he “lies smoothly”.The chats then showed Twisha’s family attempting to calm the situation and prevent further conflict.One message being widely circulated online read: “Papa se naak ragadva kar maafi maangvana chahta hai.”Twisha’s mother allegedly replied, “Papa maag lenge. Sorry to bol hi dete hai papa. Mein or papa aajaye.”For many social media users, these messages became symbolic of the emotional compromises families often make to preserve marriages.‘Why Are Women Told To Adjust?’The viral chats soon triggered broader conversations around societal expectations imposed on women after marriage.Many online users said the screenshots reflected a familiar pattern in Indian households, where daughters are often encouraged to tolerate difficult situations instead of immediately leaving harmful environments.One user wrote, “Very evident from the WhatsApp screenshots that the girl’s family desperately wanted the marriage to work no matter what.”Another commented, “Marriage BEFORE daughter’s life. Society BEFORE daughter’s life.”Several women also shared personal stories involving toxic marriages, emotional abuse and pressure from relatives to “adjust”.One user wrote, “We need to learn to distance ourselves from toxic people in time and value life.”Another shar
An Indian-origin tech professional in California has died after a month-long battle with Valley Fever, a fungal infection that severely damaged his lungs and led to respiratory failure, according to a fundraiser created by his family.Chiranjeevi Kolla, 37, died on May 5 at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, California, after spending nearly 30 days in intensive care on a ventilator, a GoFundMe campaign organized by his cousin Rama Koteswara Rao stated.The fundraiser aims to raise $300,000 to support Kolla’s wife, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son, Vihan, with medical bills, funeral expenses and future living costs.Family describes devastating final weeksIn the fundraiser message, Kolla’s cousin said the illness initially appeared to be a common flu.“It started with a cough,” the fundraiser said. “In early April, Chiranjeevi came down with what felt like an ordinary flu.”As his condition worsened, Kolla reportedly sought emergency medical care, where doctors initially suspected severe pneumonia before tests confirmed Valley Fever.The campaign said the fungal infection “overwhelmed his lungs,” forcing doctors to intubate him and place him on a ventilator.“For nearly a month, Pavani sat beside him in the ICU, holding his hand, talking to him,” the family wrote.Kolla died on May 5 after “thirty long days of machines and monitors and prayers,” according to the fundraiser.What is Valley Fever?Valley Fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides organisms that live in soil in dry regions, particularly in parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.People become infected after breathing in microscopic fungal spores released into the air when contaminated soil or dust is disturbed by wind, construction, farming or outdoor activities.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most infections are mild or asymptomatic. However, some people develop severe lung disease or complications that spread to other parts of the body.The infection is not generally considered contagious between people.Common symptoms of Valley FeverSymptoms of Valley Fever often resemble flu or pneumonia, making diagnosis difficult in the early stages.Common symptoms include:-Persistent cough-Fever-Fatigue-Chest pain-Shortness of breath-Night sweats-Muscle aches-Headaches-Skin rashIn severe cases, the infection can cause respiratory failure, lung damage or disseminated disease affecting the brain, bones and skin.Treatment and medical careTreatment depends on the severity of the infection.Mild cases often resolve without medication, but doctors may recommend rest, fluids and monitoring.Severe infections are usually treated with antifungal medications. Critically ill patients may require hospitalization, oxygen support or mechanical ventilation.In rare life-threatening cases, stronger intravenous antifungal drugs may be used.Doctors say recovery can take months, and some patients experience long-term lung complications.Precautions to reduce riskHealth authorities recommend several precautions in areas where Valley Fever is common:-Avoid dusty environments when possible-Wear N95 masks during dust storms or construction work-Keep windows and doors closed during high winds-Wet soil before digging or gardening-Limit outdoor exposure during dust eventsPeople experiencing prolonged flu-like symptoms after visiting endemic regions are advised to seek medical attention.Fundraiser seeks support for grieving familyThe fundraiser describes Kolla as a devoted husband, father and professional who “never made anyone feel small.”The family said the donations will help cover funeral rites in both California and India, hospital expenses from the month-long ICU stay, daily living costs, childcare and a future college fund for his son.“Chiranjeevi was the heart of his household and its primary provider,” the fundraiser said.The campaign added that Kolla’s wife authorized relatives to organize
Indian-origin techie dies of Valley Fever in California after month-long battle, family launches fundraiser Mint
Who was Chiranjeevi Kolla? Indian techie dies from Valley Fever in US; family launches $300K fundraiser financialexpress.com
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