Udupi: A 67-year-old senior citizen has alleged that he was abandoned by his wife and children near Indrali Railway Station in Udupi after being subjected to prolonged neglect and harassment.
Based on the complaint, the Manipal Police have registered a case under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and launched an investigation into the allegations.
Senior citizen alleges neglect and harassment
According to the complaint filed with the Manipal Police, Jagadish Shetty (67) alleged that he had been subjected to physical and mental harassment by his wife Sunanda, daughters Shwetha and Neetha, and son Nithin.
He claimed that, apart from the alleged harassment, his family failed to provide him with adequate food and proper medical treatment despite his deteriorating health.
Jagadish Shetty stated that he has been suffering from health-related issues and required care and support from his family.
Allegedly brought from Panvel to Udupi
In his complaint, Jagadish Shetty alleged that on July 11, his family brought him from Panvel, near Mumbai, to Udupi.
He further stated that at around 8.30 am on July 12, after arriving in an autorickshaw, his family allegedly left him near Indrali Railway Station in Shivalli village.
According to the complainant, his family members told him that they would no longer take responsibility for him before leaving the spot.
He alleged that he was abandoned without any arrangements for his care despite his age and health condition.
Case registered under Senior Citizens Act
Jagadish Shetty stated in his complaint that his wife and children, who are legally responsible for his care and protection, had neglected and abandoned him instead of providing the support expected from family members.
Acting on the complaint, the Manipal Police registered Crime No. 109/2026 under Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
The provision deals with the abandonment of senior citizens by persons legally responsible for their care.
Police begin investigation
Police officials said the allegations made in the complaint are under investigation.
As part of the inquiry, investigators are expected to record statements from the complainant as well as the family members named in the case before taking further action in accordance with the law.
Officials have not made any further comments on the matter, stating that the investigation is at a preliminary stage.
The case highlights the legal protections available to senior citizens under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which places a responsibility on children and relatives to provide care and support to elderly family members and prescribes penalties for abandonment.