Life in chains! Odisha man chained, locked up for past 30 years

Jajpur: With hands tied to a chain inside a dark room of a thatched house, he stares out of the window with curiosity completely unaware of the happenings around him.

Ramakant Behera of Udaypur village in Jajpur district, who lost his mental balance nearly 30 years back, has been staying in the room since then with his hands tied to a chain.

Family members were forced to put Ramakant into the ordeal after he developed violent instinct and attacked others on several occasions. Gradually, he even failed to recognise his closed ones.

While financial constraint has deterred the family from admitting Ramakant to a hospital for treatment, they have been seeking government help.

“We are financially weak which is why we can’t bear the cost of his treatment. He lost his mental balance 30 years back and it has become difficult for us to take care of him,” said Ramakant’s mother Sitarani Behera.

Ramakant’s father, Sridhar Behera said, “After losing mental balance, he became violent and destructive. We are trying our best to get government assistance but we have got nothing so far.”

The worst part is Ramakant is yet to get a disability certificate which may bring some amount of relief for his family.

After the matter was brought to the attention of local administration, district collector has assured to make arrangements for Ramakant's treatment.

“After getting to know about the man (Ramakant), I have spoken to the BDO and directed the CDMO to take steps so that he can get medical treatment. After taking medical opinion, we will consider on admitting him to rehabilitation centre,” said Jajpur collector, Ranjan Kumar Das.