Cherthala (Alappuzha): When kind souls joined hands, Santhosh who was locked up due to severe mental disorder was given a new life. ‘Theruvu Velicham’ in Kakkanadu under the Social Justice Department took responsibility of Santhosh. His sister Subhadra and Thanneermukkom natives bid farewell to him with teary eyes.
The action was taken after ‘Mathrubhumi’ reported the heartbreaking incident. Santhosh was living in a cage on the compound of a house at Umminissery in Thanneermukkom. The 20-square feet cage was used as bedroom, dining area, bathroom and toilet for him. He survived with the food provided by his sister Subhadra through the iron bars of the cage.
Santhosh met with a road accident 20 years ago and suffered a severe head injury. With this, he was mentally derailed and started turning aggressive. As the family could not manage him, they had to lock him up in the cage. He has been living inside the narrow cage for the last 4 years.
Read more: Mentally challenged man lives in cage as family unable to provide treatment
On seeing the report in ‘Mathrubhumi’, Theruvu Velicham volunteers Murukan Theruvoram and Shaju Alookkaran arrived at Thanneermukkom. Santhosh was taken out of the cage and given new clothes after cleaning up. His sister provided him food before sending him with the volunteers.
Muhamma Police headed by SI J Anilkumar and health inspector I Mini also visited the place. Panchayat president K Manjula, block panchayat member U S Sajeev, panchayat member Gireesh Maleparambil, health workers Sindhu, Sheeja, Asha workers Girija and Raji also were present. Pathanapuram Gandhi Bhavan and other organisations also had come forward to take care of Santhosh.
Reporter recollects event
K P Jayakumar who reported the plight of Santhosh said that he was informed by block panchayat member U S Sajeev. When he arrived at the place with photographer Manoj, Santosh was lying on the cement floor of the cage near a wooden house. He was naked and kept talking to himself.
It was Subhadra who explained the story of Santhosh to the reporter. Many volunteer groups responded after the report was published. Among them, Theruvu Velicham workers took Santhosh with them. Jayakumar also recollected how Subhadra expressed gratitude by folding her hands with teary eyes.
