Malda (West Bengal): Reality can be more peculiar than fiction, as exemplified by the case of Varun, with mental challenges. Without access to any medical assistance, this resident of Baruipara, near the ancient Malda block in Malda district in West Bengal, has spent the past two decades bound to a tree. The reason behind this drastic measure is the apprehension that he might escape from home, cross the border into Bangladesh, and potentially fall prey to the Border Security Force (BSF).
Varun's story is not just one of a mentally challenged individual but a poignant narrative of a family's struggle for survival in the face of financial constraints and societal neglect. Varun, the lone son of Shibshankar Ram and Sumedha Devi, has been suffering from this social stigma and medical neglect for the last 20 years. The couple has left no stone unturned to get government help for treatment but nothing has transpired so far.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Sumedha Devi said, "Upon his arrival into the world, he appeared indistinguishable from any of the five siblings. Nonetheless, destiny took an unexpected turn when he was around seven or eight years old. Following a meal featuring Hilsa fish and rice, he drifted into slumber on his father's chest. I noticed unusual behaviour and carefully lifted him from his father's embrace. Ever since that pivotal day, Varun's life spiralled into turmoil. Bereft of adequate care, he wandered extensively from home, triggering a frantic search to retrieve him.”
"From the age of eight, he had these mental troubles. If we let him go, he would wander away. So, for 20 years, we have confined him and kept him under lock and key. Once, he got lost, and it took considerable effort to bring him back,” she said.
"If we release him, he will just wander off. Even at the border of Bangladesh, the BSF (Border Security Force) threatens to shoot him if he tries to cross. So, we have to keep him tied up. He will be in front of our eyes, even if he is free," she added.
Shibsankar Babu, now 65, reveals, "I work as a labourer. If there is work for one day, four days I am left without any work. There is no fixed income for a month. Despite eating or not eating, for two years, I treated my son. Then I couldn't afford it anymore. We didn't know that even the government could help treat such patients."
“My husband works as a labourer, and I also work to make ends meet. We have endured a lot. Our daughter, who had a husband, came back to stay with us after her marriage fell apart due to the burden of caring for her mentally challenged brother,” Sumedha Devi, who also works as a daily wage labour, said.
The couple approached the local panchayat and government representatives, seeking financial assistance for Varun's treatment, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Monoj Mondal, a panchayat member from the same village, admits, "I have been a panchayat member for a long time. Before that, the villagers had sent a message to the Ram family to treat their son. But, due to financial difficulties, they were unable to get Varun treated. We also requested the government to provide financial assistance, but it has not happened yet. I am willing to help, and if the matter is brought to the attention of higher authorities, I will do my best to ensure support for the family."
However, there was a glimmer of hope for the Ram family as District Magistrate Nitin Singhania has personally taken the initiative to reach out to the family for financial and medical assistance.
When contacted, Singhania said, “As soon as I got wind of the incident, I sent people to that village. He has provided me with a report. We have made all necessary arrangements for the medical treatment of the young man. The government has also made arrangements to provide all kinds of support and facilities to his family. If the family wishes, he can be admitted to Malda Medical tomorrow. The administration will take care of all his medical arrangements."
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