Mentally deranged woman chained in Punjab

Firozpur, Nov 2 (UNI) A mentally deranged middle-aged woman, discarded by her in-laws, has been chained without medical treatment in a village in this district.

The parents of Mohinder Kaur (42) resident of village Mohar Singhwala were forced to discontinue her treatment mid-way due to poverty and keep her in chains, fearing for her safety.

''Times are such that no one can be trusted,'' Pale Singh, the father of the victim told UNI claiming that his daughter was perfectly healthy and sane before her marriage.

But within about four years of her marriage, her mental condition deteriorated and today it had gone beyond control. She gave birth to three children, two of whom expired, while one surviving daughter has been married off.

Her in-laws, who are also from a poor family, left her at her paternal home when her condition deteriorated. Her parents tried to get her treated at many hospitals but as no hospital was ready to admit her for long treatment, they were forced to discontinue it mid-way.

''Today her mental condition is out of control and out of fear for others and her own safety, we are forced to keep her chained,'' Pal Singh said, appealing for help from the government.

When contacted by UNI, Dr R L Taneja, SMO Civil Hospital expressed ignorance about this particular case but explained that such patients can be kept in hospitals for treatment for only three months, after which the Court's order was mandatory to extend the hospitalisation period.

UNI XC JN RP VV1620