Central team visits Guj to probe 'confinement' of octogenerian

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) A central team from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment visited Gogmba and Kalol villages of Panchmahal district in Gujarat yesterday to find out the truth behind the story of alleged confinement of an octogenarian by his son as told by a private TV Channel.

The channel had alleged that one Jethabhai Makhwana, a resident of Gogumba village and also the village Sarpanch, had confined his father Dudhabhai Khatubhai Makhwana for the last two years at his house.

Expressing deep concern for the octogenarian, Minister Meira Kumar directed Satyendra Prakash, Director, National Institute of Social Defence and officials of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre, Nadian to visit Gogumba to render necessary help to the old man.

The central team provided wheelchair and hearing aid to the old man who is in his mid eighties. He is frail and bedridden. The DDRC, Nadiad and Medial Officer of the nearby referral Hospital who had already examined Dudhabhai have been directed to do regular follow up.

Dudhabhai had been taken by his oldest daughter Kamlaben to her house in Kalol village in Panchmahal district. The other two daughters were also present in their sister's house. They said the story of confinement of their father by brother Jethabhai was false and it was nothing but a conspiracy of Jethabhai's rivals.

The team, accompanied by the officers of the State Social Justice Department also met the Collector of Panchamahal who told them that though there were two contradictory reports in this regard, a cognizance note of the alleged confinement had been taken by the local police.

He assured that the matter would be further investigated.

Ministry has already introduced a bill in Parliament to ensure maintenance and welfare of the parents and senior citizens and to prevent any incident of harassment and deprivation to them.

UNI