Ghaziabad: Despite centre's direction to not evict tenants due to non-payment of timely rent or rent exhaustion amid the economic gloom resulting from the lockdown, an elderly woman was kicked out of her rented room in Ghaziabad for not being able to pay electricity bill for a month.
Migrant workers have been among the hardest hit because of the lockdown. Many of them have been prompted to undertake long journeys to their homes on foot in absence of public transport, work and means to sustain themselves.
The woman named Rajbala residing in Patel Nagar area of the city was forced to vacate the rented home as she was not able to pay regular electricity bill because her paying capacity was exhausted. Landlord's constant pressure compelled her to come out on the road with all her belongings.
As per reports, as soon as the neighbours noticed the lady on the road, they informed the police about the same.
According to an eyewitness, the police talked to the landlord over phone asking him to defer rent collection from the lady but he refused to do so.
Talking about her situation, teary-eyed Rajbala said," After my husband was injured in an accident, he was unable to go for work. Despite the miserable condition, I managed our expenses for a few months by selling fruits. But the only source of income was also hindered after lockdown was imposed as I was unable to bring fruits ."
Moved by her plight, a social worker, Ashok Kansal gave her around Rs.3000 to pay the electricity bill and other requirements. Later, many people came forward to lend a helping hand to the woman and provided her with essentials.
As per information received, Rajbala had asked to file a report against the landlord and the police have registered the same and assured her that legal action will be taken against him.
Also read: Congress accuses UP Govt for doing "Cheap politics" after row over buses to ferry migrant workers
