An 80-year-old woman, recently released from Kalaburagi Central Jail after a three-year incarceration, has found a safe haven in a charitable old-age home, following her complete abandonment by her family, including her own son.
A Long Wait for Freedom
Chandramma Lachhappa Jattanakeri was arrested in 2021 by the Sedam police in connection with a murder case, booked under IPC Section 302. She was taken into custody along with her son. While a sessions court in Kalaburagi granted her bail on December 13, 2022, under the Undertrial Review Committee (UTRC) guidelines, her release was conditional upon submitting a bond of Rs 50,000.
Despite the bail order, none of her relatives or family members came forward to secure her release by paying the required amount. In a particularly heartbreaking turn, even her son, who himself obtained bail and was released from prison on September 11, 2023, did not return to help his mother.
Humanitarian Intervention Leads to Release
As a result, Chandramma remained behind bars for over three years solely because she could not arrange the surety amount. Her plight finally came to a resolution when the District Legal Aid Services Authority (DLSA) stepped in on humanitarian grounds. The authority paid the Rs 50,000 bond, facilitating her long-overdue release from Kalaburagi Central Prison.
However, her freedom unveiled a new crisis. Anita R., the Chief Superintendent of Kalaburagi Central Prison, revealed to sources that even after the release order was issued, no one from Chandramma's family arrived to receive her. Left with no support system, the elderly woman faced an uncertain future on the outside.
Finding Shelter and Care
Taking a compassionate initiative, Chief Superintendent Anita decided to ensure Chandramma's well-being. She proactively reached out to the Margadarshi Charitable Trust in Kalaburagi, which runs the Nemmadi old-age home. After discussions, the trust agreed to provide shelter to Chandramma.
"Finally, I decided to admit her to an old age home and held talks with Margadarshi Charitable Trust in Kalaburagi, requesting them to take her in, to which they agreed," Anita stated. "We moved her to the old age home last Wednesday."
Chandramma, who suffers from age-related health issues, is now settling into her new environment. "Chandramma is suffering from age-related issues but is staying at the old age home without any problems," Anita added, noting that the caretakers had shared a positive update and a picture of Chandramma over the weekend.
This case highlights the critical role of prison authorities and legal aid bodies in providing a social safety net for vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, who fall through the cracks of familial support after encountering the judicial system.
