Gaya (Bihar): A retired army officer, who served the nation for 17 long years and lost his one hand on duty, is now compelled to ask the Prime Minister for euthanasia.
Retired CRPF jawan Narendra Singh, a resident of Wazeerganj area in Gaya, has urged PM Narendra Modi to permit him to end his life as he feels only that could bring an end to his woes.
Singh, who fought for the country with valour, says he cannot fight the government system further. He said that after he lost a limb in a Maoist attack, the government officials promised him prize and compensation, but he didn't get anything.
Singh was inducted as a guard commander in the CRPF in 1980.
Recalling the incident, he said, "I was posted at the SBI branch in Nagaland in 1997. On August 15, Maoists attacked our camp in which I was badly injured. Even after that, I kept on fighting the rebels and sustained more injuries. During treatment, my hand was in such a bad condition that it was amputated. I also sustained serious injuries in my legs also."
He added, "Later, the then DGP came to meet me at the hospital. He praised my courage and efforts, and promised me a gas agency or petrol pump as a reward. However, it's been 22 years and nothing was done. I didn't get anything till date."
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His woes didn't end here. After losing a hand in the attack, CRPF posted him at Mokama camp when the news of his wife's demise reached him. On the other hand, a medical board was also constituted which found him unfit for the job and was issued retirement against his will.
Three years after the retirement, he was diagnosed with brain haemorrhage. He had to spend his savings of around ₹15 lakh in the treatment. The remaining amount was spent on the education of his children who now live in other cities.
Singh now lives alone in his house and it is becoming difficult for him to make the ends meet. His medical expenses are increasing and his only source of income is his pension, which he gets as per the old regulations and not at par with the sixth and seventh pay commission.
After the haemorrhage, Singh partially lost his voice also. He now falls under the 90% handicapped category, yet no compensation has been rewarded to him. He lamented that he has been running from pillar to post to avail the promised reward, but in vain. He adds that the CRPF officials in Mokama now shoo him away and don't entertain his requests.
In his shivering voice, Singh narrated his ordeal and urged the PM that if the government is unable to help him, then they should permit him for euthanasia.
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