MANDYA: In a deeply disturbing incident, a mentally ill elderly woman was found abandoned by the roadside in Kirugavalu village, Malavalli taluk, on Sunday. The woman, believed to be around 70–80 years old, was left behind by her own son, according to initial reports.
A passerby who noticed the distressed woman captured a video, now widely shared on social media. In the footage, she can be heard saying that her son would return for her and that she had come to her husband’s house. She identifies herself as being from Kayamballi and mutters phrases like “number 25” and “hospital” amid other incoherent statements.
The incident has drawn strong emotional reactions from the public online, highlighting the plight of elderly individuals with mental health issues and the lack of family support they often face.
Upon receiving alerts, officials from the Women and Child Development Department acted swiftly and rescued the woman. She has been admitted to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, where she is currently receiving medical care.
Authorities are expected to trace the son and initiate appropriate action. Citizens have expressed deep concern and demanded stricter laws and social safeguards for vulnerable elders.