Mentally Challenged Man Freed From Chain After 18 Years Goes Missing From Cuttack SCB

Puri: A mentally challenged man who was released after spending nearly 18 years in shackles here has gone missing for a month from the SCB Medical College where he was admitted to for treatment. The matter came to light when district social security official enquired about him.

Ramachandra of Paika Sahi in Puri was rescued from a locked room and freed from chains by the district social security officials along with some social activists last month. He was sent to an NGO - Nilachala Seva Pratisthan at Kanas in the district for his care. Later, he was shifted to the psychiatric ward of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment.

However, he went missing from the testing laboratory of the medical where he was taken to for Covid-19 test, Nilachal Seva Pratisthan joint secretary Bijay Badjena said.

“During medical admission, doctors advised us to get him tested for Coronavirus. One of our staff accompanied him to the laboratory for examination, but he was not allowed into the testing centre. Ramachandra went inside for examination, but didn't return. The medical staff also launched a manhunt but failed to trace him", Badjena added.

The Pratisthan has also lodged a missing complaint at Mangalabag police station in this connection.

District Social Security Officer Trinath Padhi clarified that an officer had visited the Nilachala Seva Pratisthan to enquire about Ramachandra and found that he was missing for last one month. But the concerned NGO has not yet informed regarding his absence.

Ramachandra had been chained for about 18 years. His mother used to chain him in a locked room when she went out for work to earn livelihood for herself and her mentally challenged son. Ramachandra's father had deserted the family long back.
The district administration swung into action and rescued him after OTV brought the matter to fore.

(Edited By: Suryakant Jena)