A deeply disturbing case of prolonged captivity has surfaced in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, where a woman, now in her twenties, was allegedly locked inside a room by her foster family for nearly two decades. The authorities discovered the situation when they arrived to rescue her from what had essentially been her prison since she was just eight years old.
Two Decades of Confinement and Its Devastating Impact
Officials from the social welfare department, acting on information, reached the home in Korchuli near Jagdalpur to free the woman. Sister Clarelit of the Gharaunda Ashram, who is now involved in her care, described the victim's tragic condition. The orphaned woman barely responds to her name, has severely impaired eyesight, and shows signs of deep trauma after years of being cut off from sunlight, fresh air, and any form of social interaction.
Medical assessments have indicated that the chances of her regaining full eyesight are slim, a direct consequence of her long isolation. However, Sister Clarelit offered a glimmer of hope, stating, "The good news is she is slowly learning to respond, and walk with support." This highlights the beginning of a long and difficult journey toward recovery.
Foster Family's Bizarre Justification and Official Probe
Sources within the social welfare department revealed the foster family's shocking explanation for the confinement. They claimed they were trying to protect the girl from a suspected molester in the neighbourhood. The family described an unidentified young man as a habitual offender who they feared would sexually assault the girl if he saw her outside. Their purported solution was to lock her away indefinitely.
Bastar Collector Harish S confirmed to the Times of India that a serious investigation is underway. The social welfare department is treating the incident "as a case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention, and violation of human rights." The collector stated that officials are questioning family members and probing the circumstances that led to such an extreme and prolonged confinement. "We will initiate action once the report is filed," he assured.
A Case That Raises Grave Questions
This incident in Bastar has exposed a severe failure of the system, allowing a child to disappear from society for twenty years. The case goes beyond a family's misguided actions and points to potential criminal culpability. The probe by the Chhattisgarh authorities will be crucial in determining how such a situation persisted unnoticed and what legal actions will follow against the foster family.
The focus now is on the rehabilitation of the survivor, who faces immense physical and psychological challenges. The case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities of orphaned children and the absolute necessity for vigilant community and institutional safeguards to prevent such horrific human rights abuses.
