Rourkela: A 32-year-old mentally challenged woman, allegedly confined to a room by her stepmother for five years before being rescued by police and health officials in Sundargarh district, was shifted to a shelter home on Tuesday for treatment and rehabilitation.The woman was admitted to Astha Gruha, a shelter home for mentally ill and distressed persons in Sundargarh, a day after her rescue. Police also warned her stepmother over her alleged ill-treatment of the woman.According to police, the woman suffers from a mental illness and has partial visual impairment. She had allegedly been confined to a poorly ventilated room by her stepmother since 2021. She was reportedly living in unhygienic conditions and was not being provided adequate care.The case came to light during a door-to-door mental health screening programme conducted by the health department. An ASHA worker who visited the family’s house found her in a distressed condition and informed local authorities, following which a team from Bargaon police station and the local community health centre visited the house.Officials found her in a dark, poorly ventilated room. She appeared malnourished, physically weak and in poor health. Her hair and nails had grown excessively, indicating prolonged neglect. Health workers provided her food, conducted a medical examination and cut her hair and nails in the presence of police.On Tuesday, under police supervision, accompanied by a woman police officer and an ASHA worker, she was taken to Astha Gruha for long-term care and treatment.“After her rescue, we found that she requires proper medical care and rehabilitation. She has therefore been shifted to Astha Gruha. We have warned her stepmother regarding the alleged ill-treatment, and further inquiry is underway,” said Mukesh Sahani, inspector-in-charge of Bargaon police station.Police said they are continuing to investigate the circumstances under which the woman was allegedly confined and neglected for several years.
