Malkangiri: In a pathetic turn of events, a 70-year-old man battled with life for last six years to feed his grandchildren after his son, who was the only source of their income, was shot dead by Maoists.
Since then, Bastya Dalai has been living with his two kids at a thatched house swarmed with bees and mosquitoes near Balimela Matibandh in Malkangiri district. Tears rolled down on his cheeks as he narrated his ordeal. Bastya originally hailed from Ambapua village under Belguntha police limits in Ganjam district. At a very young age, he moved to Chitrakanda in 1960 in search of a job.
He worked as an assistant and did survey work in Chitrakanda reservoir construction. Initially, he was paid Rs 1.5. After years, he was posted as a Class-IV worker and paid Rs 120 as salary in 1970s. Later, he retired in 2000 and received a pension of Rs 900 only. However, the salary was not enough. Bastya’s elder son returned to their village in Ganjam.
Adding to his woes, Bastya’s wife passed away 13 years ago. It has been 55 years since Bastya has been staying in the thatched house. After the death of his wife, he lived with his son Purnachandra and his two grandchildren. Purnachandra worked as a small time contractor and the family ran with whatever he earned after Bastya’s retirement.
According to Bastya, since Purnachandra was an active member in the village committee, locals complained to him about many irregularities in the village. They told him that many Anganwadi centres were not operating in the area. On learning the plight of people, Purna met the local Anganwadi worker asking her to start Anganwadi works in the village.
He broke into a fight with her and threatened her that the matter would be brought to the notice of the district collector. This created enmity with the Anganwadi worker and her supporters.
Similarly, Purna was a member of the local fishermen society and was in charge of collecting taxes from fishermen. However, many fishermen did not pay taxes and often fought with him. This way he had created many enemies. Later, a top Maoist, instigated by Purna’s enemies, shot him to death. There was no one to take care of the family after Purna’s death. Adding to their woes, Purna’s wife died soon after.
Now, it has become tough for Bastya to survive and take care of his two kids with his small pension money. To help his grandfather, the two boys –Rakesh and Prabhat– also carry out odd jobs to supplement his income.
The administration has done precious little to help the elderly man. Many families are victims of Maoist attacks. Teary-eyed Bastya pleaded with the administration to pay heed to his plight. PNN
