Ranchi, Jharkhand – A man’s decision to leave his ailing, bedridden mother alone at home while he went on a pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela with his wife and children has ignited a storm of criticism and raised serious concerns about elder care in India. The incident, which came to light after concerned neighbors alerted local authorities, has sparked outrage and a police investigation.
The man, identified as Rameshwar Munda, a resident of a small village in the Khunti district of Jharkhand, reportedly left his 75-year-old mother, Sumitra Devi, unattended for several days with limited supplies. Sumitra Devi, who suffers from paralysis and is largely confined to her bed, relies heavily on her son for daily care, including feeding, medication, and basic hygiene.
Neighbors grew suspicious after noticing that Sumitra Devi hadn’t been seen outside her home for several days. They also noticed a foul smell emanating from the house, raising concerns about her well-being. After several attempts to contact Rameshwar Munda failed, they decided to check on Sumitra Devi themselves. What they found was deeply disturbing.
“We found her lying on her bed, weak and dehydrated,” recounted a neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. “The house was in a deplorable condition. There was barely any food or water, and the place was filthy. It was clear she had been left alone for a considerable period.”
The neighbors immediately contacted the local police and the village head. Sumitra Devi was promptly taken to the nearest primary health center, where doctors confirmed she was suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. Her condition, though stable, was a cause for serious concern, doctors said.
The news of Rameshwar Munda’s actions spread quickly through the village and beyond, triggering widespread condemnation. Local residents expressed shock and disbelief at his apparent disregard for his mother’s well-being. Many criticized his decision to prioritize a pilgrimage over the care of his ailing mother, especially given her vulnerable state.
“It is unimaginable that a son could abandon his mother in such a condition,” said a villager, visibly upset. “Going on a pilgrimage is a good thing, but not at the cost of neglecting one’s own family, especially an elderly and sick mother.”
The incident has brought to the forefront the pressing issue of elder care in India, particularly in rural areas where traditional family support systems are often strained. While Indian culture traditionally places a strong emphasis on filial piety and caring for elders, changing social dynamics, including migration of younger generations to cities and increasing economic pressures, are impacting these traditional structures.
“This incident is a reflection of the changing times,” commented a social worker involved in elder care initiatives. “While many families continue to uphold the tradition of caring for their elders, there are also instances where these values are being eroded. We need to strengthen support systems for senior citizens and ensure that they are not left vulnerable and neglected.”
The police have registered a case against Rameshwar Munda under relevant sections of the law, including negligence and endangering the life of a senior citizen. A police officer investigating the case stated, “We have registered a case and are investigating the matter thoroughly. We will take appropriate action as per the law.”
Rameshwar Munda, who was contacted by the police while he was at the Kumbh Mela, has reportedly expressed remorse for his actions. He claimed that he had made arrangements for his mother’s care with a relative, but those arrangements fell through at the last minute. However, the police are investigating his claims and are yet to verify his version of events.
“He claims he had asked a relative to look after his mother,” the police officer said. “We are questioning the relative and other villagers to ascertain the truth. We are also trying to understand why he did not inform the local authorities or neighbors about his mother’s condition before leaving.”
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness about elder abuse and neglect. Advocacy groups working for the welfare of senior citizens have called for stricter laws and better enforcement mechanisms to protect the rights of elderly individuals. They also emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the well-being of senior citizens.
“We need to create a society where elder abuse is not tolerated,” said a representative of an NGO working for senior citizens’ rights. “We need to educate people about their responsibilities towards their elders and create a support system that ensures that senior citizens are not left to fend for themselves.”
The case of Sumitra Devi serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many elderly individuals in India. It underscores the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening family support systems, raising awareness about elder abuse, and providing adequate social security and healthcare services for senior citizens. As India grapples with its changing demographics and social fabric, ensuring the well-being of its elderly population must be a national priority. The incident in Jharkhand should serve as a wake-up call for society and the government to take concrete steps to protect the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
