‘Living in inhuman conditions’: Mentally challenged woman found confined in stone shelter with iron chains on legs, rescued

JAISALMER: In a shocking incident that has shaken humanity, a mentally challenged woman was rescued after being found chained by her legs and living in inhuman conditions in Bhatton Ki Dhani, located in the Bada Bagh area of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.The rescue was carried out following the intervention of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary and Additional District & Sessions Judge Lalit Purohit.According to officials, the woman had allegedly been confined in heavy iron shackles by her brother-in-law (devar).The incident came to light during the DLSA’s quarterly inspection when Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) Kamal Kishore informed the authority about a woman being kept chained in the area, around six kilometres from the district headquarters.Acting immediately, Judge Lalit Purohit dispatched a special team and later reached the spot himself. The rescue team found the woman confined inside a temporary stone shelter with heavy iron chains locked around her legs. The disturbing sight left officials stunned.A rescue operation was launched in coordination with the district administration, the Social Justice Department, and the 108 ambulance service. The chains were cut using a metal cutter, and the woman was freed before being shifted to a rehabilitation home.After being rescued, the mentally challenged woman, identifying herself as Sugna, broke down in tears and alleged that it was her brother-in-law who had chained and confined her.Due to her fragile mental condition, she was unable to clearly explain the reasons behind her confinement.Judge Lalit Purohit directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment, nutritious food, care, and rehabilitation for the victim. He also ordered detailed counselling and the preparation of a comprehensive report on her condition.During preliminary questioning, Sugna revealed that she has five children, some of whom are still minors, while one is already married. Initial findings suggest that she had been suffering from mental illness for a long time without receiving proper medical treatment. Owing to family circumstances and a lack of awareness, she was allegedly kept in chains.

The DLSA has instructed counsellors to conduct extensive counselling to determine the complete truth behind the incident. A detailed report will also be submitted to the State Legal Services Authority.Authorities are now focusing on several crucial questions: how long the woman had been confined, the whereabouts of her husband, and the motive behind her brother-in-law’s alleged actions. Investigators are examining whether the confinement was linked to a property dispute, family rivalry, neglect, or superstition.Police have also launched an investigation into how such an inhuman act continued in a residential locality without intervention from neighbours or local residents. Legal action against the accused brother-in-law will be initiated based on the findings of the counselling and police investigation.