Bolangir: In a shocking incident, a labourer couple, who worked in a brick kiln near Chennai and were running high temperatures, was forced to travel in a train toilet to reach Bolangir railway station. The couple was forced to travel 1100 km as they did not get seats inside the train. The pathetic condition of the labourer and his wife came to the fore after they got down in Bolangir railway station.
They were identified as Parme Seth and his wife Bhumi Seth who worked at a brick-kiln in Tamil Nadu. “The train was full forcing us to take shelter in train toilet and travel the long distance,” Parme said.
Shockingly, no one offered a seat to the ailing woman although she fainted many times during the travel while standing in the rush. Availing no option, the two sat in the train toilet. The health condition of Bhumi further deteriorated after travelling in unhygienic condition inside the toilet.
On reaching Bolangir, she was rushed to the district headquarters hospital where her condition was stated critical. She was administered preliminary treatment and referred to Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) for further treatment.
According to sources, Parme of Bolangir lived with his wife Bhumi and did petty jobs for a living. They hailed from a below poverty line family and had no farmland of their own making it hard for them to make their both ends meet.
They met a broker who lured them into working at a brick-kiln in Tamil Nadu on the promise that they would get fat wages. Believing his words, the couple left for Tamil Nadu in October last year. After working for four months in the brick-kiln, Bhumi’s health condition deteriorated due to heavy workload and lack of proper food.
Parme approached brick-kiln owner Engal Rao for Bhumi’s treatment but in vain. Rao paid no heed and made them to work under pressure. Deprived of treatment, Bhumi became weak and fell unconscious as her health kept on deteriorating with each passing day.
Helpless Parme made up his mind to bring Bhumi back home for treatment. He pleaded with Rao who bought two general tickets for the two and handed them only Rs 100 for food during the journey.
The couple took a train and reached Chennai and later took a train to Bolangir. Although they had tickets, they had to undergo various problems. After travelling for two days and a night in the train toilet they managed to reach Bolangir station late Monday night. Later, Parme contacted his relatives who arranged Rs 10,000 for him for the treatment.
He tried to meet the Chief District Medical Officer Jagannath Panda for help but in vain. I had been to Titilagarh for a meeting, said CDMO. PNN
