Dhenkanal: A mentally ill minor boy of Sanda village under Sadar police limits in Dhenkanal district has been living an imprisoned life as he is kept in shackles by his family members, who are unable to bear the cost of his treatment, reports said.
It is not that his parents, Akshay Kumar Pradhan and Julie Pradhan, don’t want to set him free and let him enjoy life like other children of his age. But, the fear of him wandering in places and attacking others, has forced them to put him in shackles.
They have mortgaged all their property for his treatment, but there has been no improvement in his health. The family has now sought the intervention of the administration for better treatment of the boy.
Three years back, the boy Anil, who is just like other school-going kid, developed mental illness. Anil’s parents spent all their savings towards the medical treatment of their son, but there was no improvement in his condition.
He began to attack people and behave abnormally. In the fear of losing him, his parents decided to tie him with chains inside their small house.
“I am a daily wager and have already spent a huge amount of money for his treatment. I have sold all gold ornaments, my vehicle and other valuables. Now, I’m helpless. If I can get some financial aid from the government, it would be of great help. I beg the Collector to provide some help,” Akshay said narrating his ordeal.
“We are keeping him tied to chain in the house because we don’t have money for his treatment. If the administration helps us for his treatment, we will be really grateful,” requested Anil’s mother Julie.
After learning about Anil’s plight, Sub-Collector of Kamakshyanagar Bishnuprasad, Acharya, assured to look into the matter and take necessary steps for the boy’s treatment.
“I will consult the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO). After inspecting his medical history, we will take steps to provide him help from the government for his treatment,” Acharya said.
PNN
