Puttur: Woman’s inhuman confinement case – Parents refuse to take her home

Team Udayavani, Jan 5, 2024, 9:19 AM IST

Puttur: The kin of the married woman who had been found confined in her home in Vitla refused to accept her on Thursday and asked the government authorities to admit her to a shelter facility.

The woman, identified as Ashalata, was allegedly kept confined at home in Karejja near Idabettu, Kemminje village for over three months with little food and water. She was rescued by the Women and Child Welfare Department officials on Wednesday after locals alerted the authorities.

Her parents visited the victim at the hospital in Puttur on Thursday. Despite their visit, the parents declined to take Ashalata home, citing their inability to provide suitable care in their current situation, said Mangala Kali, ACDP, Women and Child Welfare Department, Puttur.

Expressing concern for Ashalata’s well-being, the family urged the Women and Child Welfare Department to arrange to admit her to a shelter home. They mentioned that they were willing to provide a written statement supporting this course of action, she added.

Meanwhile, the Women and Child Welfare Department in Puttur is planning to transfer Ashalata to Swadhara Kendra in Mangaluru once her health stabilizes. Officials have briefed the family about the necessary procedures involved in this transition.

Husband being questioned

In the ongoing investigation, the police summoned Ashalata’s husband, Shripati Hebbar, to gather information about the case. Additionally, Ashalata’s parents are contemplating filing a complaint against her husband’s family in connection with this distressing incident.

No communication with her family for 9 years

Ashalatha and Shripati have a daughter. It is gathered that for 9 years there was no communication between Ashalatha’s maternal and marital family. Reportedly, the lack of communication stemmed from Ashalata’s illness after the birth of her daughter.

Medical officials at the Taluk Hospital have recommended further treatment for Ashalata at Wenlock Hospital. She may be transferred there on Friday. However, with her parents declining to take her home, the consideration now revolves around admitting her to an ashram for ongoing care.