Daijiworld Media Network - Jashpur

Jashpur, Dec 28: In a shocking incident, a 25-year-old tribal youth in Kunkuri, Jashpur district, reportedly lived with the body of his 65-year-old mother for nearly 20 days after her death, police said.

The youth, Pravin Khalko, worked as a delivery staff with a private courier company and lived with his mother, Sabina Khalko, in a rented house. The case came to light when the house owner noticed a foul smell and alerted the authorities.

“The police reached the place and found the body of Sabina Khalko lying on a bed in a decomposed state. She was paralysed. We traced some medical prescriptions lying nearby, suggesting the son had consulted a doctor regarding her treatment before her death on December 6. Prima facie, the son seems to be struggling with mental health issues,” Kunkuri town inspector Rakesh Yadav told.

Preliminary inquiries indicated that Khalko had no immediate relatives staying with them. Officials said the youth appeared to be in deep depression following his mother’s death and had allegedly developed suicidal tendencies.

“It was bizarre. The son kept the body of his mother at home for 20-odd days and didn’t inform anyone. He also apparently developed a suicidal tendency. A case has been registered, and an investigation is ongoing,” the officer added.

The body has been sent for postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.