Parents forced to chain mentally challenged son, seek govt help

Dhenkanal: Like every parents, Akshay Kumar Pradhan and Julie Pradhan of Sanda village in Dhenkanal district wanted their son to achieve success in life but life took an ugly turn after the boy was diagnosed with mental illness.

The problem turned so worst that the parents were forced to tie their elder son Anil with chain.

Three years back Anil was just like other school-going kids but after he developed mental illness, Anil’s parents spent all their savings towards the medical treatment of their son.

But with no improvement in Anil's condition, his parents decided to tie him with chains inside their small house.

“I am a daily wage labourer and have already spent a huge amount of money in his treatment. I have sold all gold ornaments, my vehicle and other valuables. I have two more kids who are studying in school but I am unable to provide them adequate food or clothes,” Akshay narrated his ordeal.

Akshay further added, “My elder son was a good student and I had dreamt big for him but after he became mentally ill, I was broken. If I can get some financial aid from the government, it would be of great help.”

“My elder son was studying in school three years back when he developed the mental problem. We were treating him in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and now we have become helpless without money. We are keeping him tied to chain in the house. If the government can provide us financial assistance, we can use the money for his medical treatment," requested Julie.

After the issue was brought to the notice of local administration, Sub Collector of Kamakshyanagar Bishnuprasad Acharya has assured to take necessary steps for the boy's treatment.

“I will consult the district medical officer. After inspecting his medical history, we will take steps to provide him help from the government for his treatment,” Acharya said.