Miryala Rajani Jagtial

Ina heartbreaking incident highlighting the plight of elderly people facing neglect within their own families, an 80-year-old man from Donkeshwaram village of Beerpur mandal has been running from pillar to post for the past four days, seeking justice and a dignified place to live.

Raj Mallayya, a resident of Donkeshwaram village, lost his wife and is now struggling to find support during the final stage of his life. Despite having four children, he alleges that none of them is willing to take responsibility for his care. While one of his children is settled in the United States, the other three live locally. He claims that he is not even being allowed into their houses and is being deprived of basic necessities such as food and shelter.

With no other option, Mallayya approached the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and submitted a petition seeking intervention. Officials reportedly assured him that his children would be counselled to resolve the family dispute. However, no concrete action has been taken so far.

For the past four days, the elderly man has been visiting the RDO office, waiting since morning until evening in the hope of receiving a solution. On Tuesday, he once again waited until late evening to meet the authorities. However, as there was no response from the officials, he was left disappointed.

In a particularly distressing scene, Mallayya, who is unable to walk without support, eventually left the office with the help of two walking sticks. Before leaving, he reportedly pleaded with the staff to at least arrange admission to an old-age home if his children were unwilling to provide him shelter. His helpless condition and repeated appeals moved several people present at the office. At an age when he should be spending his days in peace and comfort, the octogenarian is being forced to wander from office to office seeking something as basic as food and shelter. The incident has raised serious concerns over the protection and welfare of senior citizens facing neglect by their own families. Locals have urged the authorities to intervene immediately, counsel his children and ensure that Mallayya receives proper care and protection. They have also appealed to officials to arrange admission to an old-age home without further delay if family reconciliation is not possible. For an 80-year-old man, the demand is neither property nor luxury.

All he seeks is a few meals a day, a safe roof over his head and the dignity to spend the remaining years of his life in peace.