Mentally disabled man tied to electric pole, beaten up in public

Bolangir: In an instance of gross violation of human rights, a mentally disabled man was seen beaten up by locals by tying his hands to an electric pole on a busy road at Tikrapada square in the district today.

The person identified as Bikram Das, a resident of Patnagarh, was later rescued by police.

The matter of concern is that some passersby were seen recording the scene on mobile phone when he was subjected to turture. But, no one came to the rescue of the mentally retarded man.

The incident raised question on humanity in the area. A local lawyer Pramod Mishra termed the act as gross violation of human rights. "It is the duty of the government to take care of every citizen. Torturing a mentally challenged person in public is an example of breach of human rights. Action should be initiated against the erring persons", Mishra added.

Bolangir collector Ashis Thakre sought a report from local police on the matter. “People should treat such people with empathy. We will look into the matter as per mental programme. I have asked the local police to submit a report on it following which action will be taken,” Thakare added.

The victim has been suffering from psychiatric ailment for last few years. Locals committed the crime branding him as a drunkard, sources said.