Six days ago, Kritiha Ratneswran’s home in Corpus Cristi burned to the ground, destroying belongings, and everything they have to their name.
SAN ANTONIO — When it rains, it pours, and no one knows that better than Kritiha Ratneswran.
Six days ago, their home in Corpus Cristi burned to the ground, destroying belongings, and everything they have to their name.
“Within minutes of getting out the house, like it’s a total loss, it’s burned down,” Ratneswaran described.
Her mother, Sri Kanthi Devi Kalimuthu Krisnasamy, ran inside their burning home to grab her purse.
“She ran upstairs to grab her purse with the money and, her resident permit and everything out the room,” Ratneswaran said. “She actually basically put her life on the line to grab the money and the purse.”
Kalimuthu Krisnasamy was transported to the Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) for smoke inhalation. EMS took posession of her purse.
“EMS actually gave the handbag to the E.R. and E.R. right away when they got family belongings, they did these, inventory here, how much money had,” Ratneswaran said.
According to the inventory list provided by BAMC, there were $1,593.75 in cash, credit cards, social security and other important documents in the purse. All of those things: gone, when the hospital returned her belongings.
“During the shift change, somebody broke into the handbag at the Treasury and they took the purse with the, the Mastercard visa card and permanent resident [card], Sri Lankan passport, Sri Lankan ID, every single thing, with the money,” Ratneswaran said.
Ratneswaran explained that BAMC told the family they’d cut her a check.
“The hospital never cut a check,” she said. “That’s what they said. But we’re burn victims. We lost every single thing we ever worked hard for.”
The issue is under investigation.
The family, meanwhile, stuck in San Antonio without a dollar to their name.
Ratneswaran is a veteran who stated she has not just lost money, she says she also lost trust.
“I need my money back,” she said. “I don’t even need you guys to give me extra a penny. Give me whatever you guys lost in your possession.”
BAMC in a statement, told KENS 5:
Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is aware of Ms. Kalimuthu Krisnasamy’s claim concerning missing funds. This is an issue we take seriously and are taking steps to facilitate a positive resolution. We have contacted the 502nd Security Forces Squadron who are conducting an investigation into the matter. We also have arranged to provide Ms. Kalimuthu Krisnasamy housing at the Joint Base San Antonio Fisher House given the recent tragic loss of her home. Additionally, BAMC staff are working with Ms. Kalimuthu Krisnasamy to expedite her claim regarding the reported loss of her property.
BAMC continually seeks ways to improve our processes to ensure our patients receive the safest, highest quality care possible. We will continue to maintain clear and open communications with Ms. Kalimuthu Krisnasamy throughout this matter.
To help out Krithiha and her family, the link to her GoFundMe is here.