A 93-year-old man was found chained on the roof of his house in Shakambarinagar in Banashankari on Wednesday. This comes just a day after a 35-year-old woman who was forced to live in seclusion for years in Malleswaram, was rescued.
Police and neighbours rescued the old man who was tied with a dog chain and confined to the terrace of his three-storeyed house for a few months. His son Suresh (43) and daughter-in-law Kalpana have been arrested and released on bail.
The victim, Anantharama Setty, a native of Maralawadi in Kanakapura taluk, has four sons — Venkatesh, Suresh Kumar, Sanath Kumar and Girish Kumar. “He stayed with his second son Suresh. His other sons are also married and settled in neighbouring areas,” the police said, adding that his other sons also neglected him.
Setty’s oldest son Venkatesh said: “I have been living away from the rest of the family for the last 20 years. Suresh and I don’t get along. I was not allowed to meet my father. I am helpless.’’
Police said Setty was suffering from heart-related problems. “He did not receive attention from Suresh and his family. He was forced to ask neighbours for money. He also tried to join an old age home,” an officer said.
Embarrassed by his father’s behaviour, Suresh decided to confine him to the terrace of his house by chaining his legs near a water tank, police said. Suresh, in his defence, told police: “My father used to spit and urinate all over the house. Sometimes, he would go out and beg for money. So we kept him chained to ensure he doesn’t go out. We would bring him down in the night.’’
A neighbour, Krishnappa, said: “I have known Setty for 35 years. He used to be a prosperous merchant at K R Market. He looked after all his children very well and set them up in life. He lived with his wife at Suresh’s house, but after his wife’s death, his son and daughter-in-law didn’t look after him or even feed him. When we questioned Suresh about this, he rudely brushed us off.’’
Suresh and his wife managed to acquire Setty’s property and belongings, which included a provision store, some land and the house, after the death of his wife. Setty was referred to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital.