Keonjhar: Three orphan minor girls of Birabarpur Patna village under Sadar block in this district have been left to fend for themselves since the death of their mother who was beaten to death by their father.
While their father is now serving in jail, the girls are left to no man’s mercy, thanks to the negligent attitude of the officials concerned as no government assistance has reached their way. It’s been more than 10 days, after the death of their mother, but no help has come their way.
The girls have been surviving with whatever neighbours provide them out of sympathy. A relative tried to take care of them, but later neglected citing that she has her own children to take care of.
With no other option left, the elder girls Swati (Class VII), Sonalika (Class IV) and Pratiksha (Class I) are often seen crying in their thatched house verandah. The elder girl has taken the responsibility of the younger siblings on her own shoulders. She makes both ends meet by doing odd jobs in the locality.
According to sources, the three children stayed with their father Dev Naik and mother Sabita Naik. The family eked out a living by doing odd jobs. However, Dev and Sabita broke out in an altercation over some family issue November 17. In a fit of rage, Dev took a spade and bludgeoned Sabita to death.
Since then, he has been in jail, leaving the girls on their own. The final rites of Sabita was completed with the help of the relatives and villagers. The financial assistance under Harischanda Yojana, which should have been provided to these three children just after the death of their parents, has not been provided yet.
The girls are now struggling to survive with no help from the administration. Locals sympathised with the plight of the girls and demanded that they be rehabilitated and provided with better living condition.
When contacted, the panchayat PEO assured of assistance to the orphaned children after talks with his higher authorities.
PNN
