ATHAGARH: A 30-year-old mentally challenged man with his limbs chained drew the attention of State Human Rights Commissioner (SHRC) Justice Birakishore Mishra, who was on his way to attend a seminar on Human Rights at Narasinghpur College here on Wednesday.
The youth's father Iswar Mohapatra of Kuranja village under Kanpur police limits had chained his son as he could not meet the treatment expenses. Mohapatra said he is a small-time farmer and his meagre earnings to run his family.
On inquiry, Narasinghpur Tehsildar Seshadev Mishra informed Justice Mishra that the youth was mentally challenged since childhood and his condition had worsened about 10 years back. Ever since, he was chained to a wooden pole on the verandah.
Mohapatra said he is a small time farmer with meagre earnings and could not meet the treatment cost of the youth.
While the shocking incident was known by the residents of the area, neither was it reported nor was any cognizance taken by government or social welfare organisations.
Attending the seminar, Justice Mishra said dead also come under the scanner of Human Rights and must not be left without care. Citing the issues of Dana Majhi and several other incidents of recent past, he said rights of one person are the duty of another.
Among others, IG, Special Armed Police Sanjeev Panda attended the seminar organised by Narasingpur College in association with local NGO called SHARP. Secretary, SHARP Bijaya Panda, College Principal Dr Kulamani Bariki, Lecturer Prafulla Sahoo were also present.
Later, Justice Mishra asked the Tehsildar to rescue the youth and admit him in SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. The Tehsildar has also been directed to report about the
follow up.