Girl's death due to starvation: Bereaved family threatened, abused for 'defaming' village


Daijiworld Media Network

Simdega (Jharkhand), Oct 22: The family of the girl who allegedly died of starvation in Jharkhand's Simdega district, is now living in constant fear as the villagers are threatening and abusing them for 'defaming' the village.

On September 28, 11-year-old Santoshi Kumari died due to starvation as her mother Koyli Devi was denied food supplies as her ration card was not linked to the Aadhaar card. "My daughter’s last words were bhat-bhat (rice)," claims the mother.

After the issue was covered by the media, Koyli Devi said the villagers thronged outside her house and abused her family. Following the threats, Devi and her family travelled to Patiamba village and took shelter.

The police then brought them back to Simdega and deployed a security team outside their residence.

Saryu Roy, the food minister of the state, said a legal action would be taken if anyone threatens the woman.

Roy says he spoke to the deputy commissioner who sent a team to investigate the issue. It was found that a ward commissioner had threatened Koyli Devi and he has been warned.

Roy adds that Devi’s family has been given the Antyodaya card which provides 35 kilograms of grains in one month. Upon investigation it was found that Devi’s ration card was invalidated in July. While some say it was cancelled due to two similar names in the register others cite that it was cancelled as it was not linked to Aadhaar.

"We have already arranged for an Aadhaar card, but one cannot be denied ration in its absence. Therefore, I have given necessary instruction in the ministry to make an exception register at the ration shops, where a card will be provided to the needy, who cannot get registered on the machine, due to some disability or other documents related issues," he added.

Speaking about the ongoing investigation, he said it is difficult to ascertain if the death was due to starvation or an ailment. Starvation often becomes the cause of an ailment, but it is still hard to prove the death through hunger. I have asked my authorities to deal the issue with sensitivity, he adds.

Meanwhile, chief minister Raghubar Das said that action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Antonio DSilva, Kuwait

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    This is our India where bhakts thrive on the sweat and blood of the poor. These villagers are a clear example of bhakts.

    So what if a million 11 year old girls die due to starvation; their mothers should not complain.

    This is the election manifesto that was promised to all Indians in 2014.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    Threatening the family whoese member died due to starvation, for REPORTING TRUTH, is height of dictatorial attitude growing day by day!
    For threateners, their NAME matters mare than LIVES OF POOR!
    These very people do everything possible to them to ensure that, NOBODY HELPS THE DOWNTRODDEN SECTION OF THE SOCIETY.
    Helpers are also branded, traumatized!
    People talk of culture, religion, gender, rights etc are IN HIBERNATION now.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santan Mascarenhas, Kinnigoli/Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    Truth is bitter. Year 2015: according to United Nations annual hunger report. India is home to the highest number of hungry people in the world, at 194 million, surpassing China.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    BJP is going to be trounced in Gujarat ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    For how long can you shut mouths of People ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Mon, Oct 23 2017

    They still doubt whether girl died out of starvation.Of course they doubt,because they dont know what is starvation and threatening from village elders or heads.They get their pay and food prepared.did the commissioner stayed in a cue for with ration card in his life ?such illeterate people from village say the family has brought bad name to the village?does it have one?is the question.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • leslie, udupi

    Sun, Oct 22 2017

    Life when ends without food it is most tragic...
    Especially when it happens to be a child...
    Parents virtually die again ad again in front of the dying baby...
    We see lot of high handedness and insensitivity in the most required services... Especially public services...

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse


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