In a shocking incident, an ailing septuagenarian couple was left to fend for themselves in their house in Kootakallu, Kamakshi. Their two sons have been booked by the police.
Kamalahasan, 45, and Satheesan, 42, were summoned to the Kattappana police station after their parents Laxmanan, 78, of Puthupallil, Kamakshi, and wife Kamalamma, 73, were found in a sinking condition after being deserted by their kin.
According to the police, the sons claimed that their father did not permit them entry into the house. But they have assured the police that they would take care of their parents.
Sources in the Health Department said that the couple had suffered from urinary and other age-related problems for which they received treatment in the past.
The timely intervention of Kamakshi panchayat member M V George helped save their lives. Junior health inspector N D Thankachan, palliative nurse Pennamma Thomas and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker Cicily Thomas took them to the Public Health Centre, Kamakshi.
The couple was found living in unhygienic conditions lying on the lone cot in the house wearing soiled clothes. They even complained that their sons had taken away their mobile-phone and the other cots.
They had been starving for a few days. Even the neighbours were unaware of the situation.
Though Laxmanan owned about two acres of land, he could not cultivate anything owing to his poor health.
They have four sons, out of which two stay nearby, one is living abroad, but there is no information regarding the whereabouts of the fourth one.
The health centre sources, quoting the couple, said that one son visited them, but stayed on for about five minutes.
Their condition has improved, the sources added. Sister Pennamma and the neighbours are taking turns to provide them food.