Kendrapara: From applause and limelight to recluse and shackles, nothing could have been more cruel a journey for Jatra artiste Badani Samal of Kendrapara district. Chained by family due to a mental illness, Badani even has no memories of success that she had tasted as a child artiste. The 20-year-old has however been shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack today after being rescued by the district administration.
A native of Baraja Bahakuda village under Mahakalapada block of the district, Badani had been tied with an iron chain in her house by her parents, who did not have means to treat her ever since she developed the illness. In fact Badani stepped into the world of Jatra at the age of 16 to help her parents meet both ends.
However, fate had something else in store for the girl as she became a victim of mental trauma since past one year. With no option, her parents brought her home.
“She was a normal child and acted in Jatra for three to four years but last year went through mental trauma. Since we are poor, we could not consult a doctor for her treatment. Moreover, she had no control over herself and had started beating other children. Once we started getting complaints from some locals, we had no option but to keep her chained,” said her grieving mother.
Further details about her treatment at the hospital are awaited.