In a telling example of the plight of mentally ill persons, an elderly man in his 60s, his hands and ankles chained, has been moving around Patapur of Odisha’s Ganjam district for the past four years.
His appearance, with long beard and hair, is that of a roaming mendicant, and he does not speak of his family and place of origin. Strong iron rods restrain his limbs; he does not speak of who chained him. He begs at roadside kiosks in Patapur to live.
Locals identify him as Jagu Das, a resident of Palaspur village under the Sanakhemundi block. It is speculated that he may have developed mental problems some years ago, and his family may have had him chained and then abandoned him.
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Locals have informed Berhampur Sub-Collector Diganta Rautray of his condition. Mr. Rautray said the administration will initiate an enquiry into his identity and take adequate action for his rehabilitation.