Jamtikra: It has been six years since Lilima (16) of Jhumupudipada village under Attabira block in Bargarh district has been living a wretched life — in chains.
Financial constraints have been a major obstacle for the treatment of the girl, daughter of a widow, forcing her family members to keep her in shackles.
Despite being unable to watch her daughter in such a pathetic condition, Lilima’s widowed mother Chandrakanti has no other way out. She sold all her belongings for Lilima’s treatment, but there has been no improvement in her health. Unfortunately, no help has come her way from the administration till now.
According to sources, Chandrakanti, only daughter of Arjun Bag (61) and Brundabati (59), had married Bikram Bhorasagar of Karalajuri village under Kamgaon panchayat in Bargarh district.
They were parents to Lilima and Kamalini and earned a livelihood by doing odd jobs. However, things turned worse after Bikram was afflicted by some mental illness and passed away, leaving the responsibility of the two girls on Chandrakanti.
Adding to the woes of Chandrakanti, mental illness also hit Lilima after the death of her father. After selling all the little property that Bikram had left behind, Chandrakanti took the two girls and moved to her parents’ house.
Her elderly parents, Arjun and Brundabati, had tried their best to get their granddaughter treated, but nothing worked. With no option left, the family has now kept Lilima chained in a house so that she does not run away.
Locals, sympathetic towards Lilima, have demanded the administration to extend a helping hand to the hapless girl.
“Our granddaughter would get a new lease of life, if the administration helps in her treatment,” the elderly couple said.
PNN
