Elderly Man's Suicide Exposes Years of Abuse
Chandaneswar, Odisha – In a tragic incident that highlights the plight of elderly abuse, a 69-year-old man, Niranjan Kar, was found dead by hanging in a cow shed. His suicide note reveals a heartbreaking tale of prolonged abuse at the hands of his own son and daughter-in-law, leading to his desperate act. Niranjan, a resident of Chandipur village, had lived a life of increasing isolation and neglect in his old age, despite having two sons and their wives.
The suicide note, discovered near his body, detailed the unrelenting harassment Niranjan endured. It described a pattern of abuse and neglect that spanned seven long years. He expressed his inability to cope any longer with the emotional and physical suffering inflicted upon him by his family. The note explicitly instructed his sons not to touch his body, a final act of defiance against their cruelty.
Beyond the chilling account of abuse, Niranjan's suicide note also revealed a poignant sense of dignity and concern for others. He left behind a substantial sum of money for his last rites and funeral expenses, meticulously placed under his pillow. Notably, he also donated a 10-decimal plot of land he owned for the construction of a local ANM center, reflecting his concern for the community. This selfless act sharply contrasts with the cruelty he suffered at the hands of his family.
Niranjan’s younger son, Suresh, lived with his family in the ancestral house, while the older son, Rajesh, resided separately. Both the sons’ apparently failed to provide any support to his aging father. Despite the presence of his sons and their wives, Niranjan lived alone in a separate home which he had built for himself. He relied on the kindness of his neighbors for food and money for survival, further emphasising the extent of his abandonment.
The news of Niranjan’s death shocked his community, prompting an outpouring of sympathy for the deceased and condemnation for the actions of his family. The police have registered a case of unnatural death following a post-mortem examination. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident underscores the critical need for addressing elder abuse in India, where many elderly people are vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment within their own families. The apathy displayed by Niranjan’s family, despite the presence of multiple relatives, highlights the complex societal challenges that lie at the heart of this tragic situation. The village is left grappling with the profound implications of this shocking loss, as the stark reality of elder abuse shatters the peace of their community.
