A 35-year-old woman was on Tuesday rescued by police after she had been kept locked in her house for several years by her own family.
Amrita (name changed) was found naked and unable to use her limbs. She has been moved to NIMHANS for assessment of her psychiatric condition, although she did not appear mentally unstable.
Relatives said that she was always screaming for more food despite being fed regularly.
“The family tried to keep her confined to ensure her screaming does not disturb the neighbours,” the police said.
Other relatives claimed that Amrita was restrained as she was mentally unstable. Others, however, attributed her situation to a relationship she had with someone her parents did not approve of.
Her father, who had accompanied the police team to the hospital, told Express: “This is false information. We have not kept her locked up. She was feeling weak since last week. She has been brought here for treatment.”
DCP (West) S N Siddaramappa said: “We are collecting information about the incident and conducting enquiries. If the girl recovers and files a complaint stating that she underwent confinement and bad treatment, we will take legal action,” he said. However, police have not received any formal complaint regarding the matter from the woman or her relatives.
Health minister U T Khader, who visited her house along with a team of officials from the health department, said, “For now, our priority is to ensure that the woman gets proper treatment. We will try to find out the reason and take appropriate action.”
Dr V L Satish, Medical Superintendent, NIMHAS, said that although the woman was not in a traumatised or mentally unstable state, she showed signs of suffering from chronic, long-standing problems.
“She shows symptoms of arthritis but she is stable and conscious and is responding well to questions. Psychiatrists are assessing her exact condition and it will take time to arrive at a proper diagnosis and case history,” he added.
Women and Child Development Minister Umashree told Express: “I have deputed the director of women and child development department to monitor the woman’s condition and look into the case.
Doctors will monitor her for three days and give her a report.”