Mentally-ill youth shackled for three years

Gaighat, March 25

For three long years, a mentally-ill youth in Udayapur is living in chains as his family members are unable to afford his treatment.

Twenty-eight-year-old Nandan Rajdhami of Jogidaha-9, Mothihai is living miserably after his family members gave up on him after doctors at a local health facility recommended that he be taken to the capital for further treatment.

“They are so poor that they barely manage two square meals a day. In such a condition, how can we expect the family to take him to the capital for treatment ?” questioned Bhaburam Rai, a neighbour.

His mother Dulawati also rued her helplessness. “It’s not that we never took him to a doctor. We did take him to a doctor once by borrowing some money but couldn’t do anything after the doctor there suggested to us to take him to the capital for further treatment,” she shared, adding.

“Earlier, we didn’t keep him in chains, but he did things which didn’t look good. He also posed a danger to visitors to our house. So, out of shame we had to shackle him,” she said. The couple has also appealed for help from donors for the treatment of their son.