By Kokila Dhakal
Ilam, Mar. 22

Dhanamaya Timsina, 85, had a different charm on her face on Sunday. As her son Durga Prasad Timsina, who had gone missing, was returning home after 40 long years, her happiness knew no boundary.
However, she had no idea that her son had served 40 years in prison in India. Her relatives and neighbours had not let her know that her missing son was returning home after being released from prison.
But Durga Prasad, who was shivering and had electrical burn and injuries in hands, limbs and tongue, could not utter a single word even after meeting his mother.
Their neighbours and relatives could not ascertain whether Durga Prasad recognised his mother or not.
Prakash Chandra Timsina, Durga Prasad's uncle, said, "In 1980, Naine Gurung had filed a case alleging Durga Prasad of murdering his wife Junu Gurung of Darjeeling. As the hearing on the case had not taken place, Durga Prasad was detained at Dum Dum Correctional Home in Kolkata, India."
According to the medical reports, the mental status of Durga Prasad is that of a nine-year-old child.
"He has become like a bird caged for years. He cannot speak or remember anything. He just repeats whatever we say as a parrot does," said Prakash Chandra, adding, "He was detained at the age of 21. He was released on Saturday at the age of 61 years. Now we have to fight a different battle to provide compensation to Durga Prasad. We cannot do it by ourselves."
The court has not given its final verdict on Durga Prasad's case yet.
"We have been told that detainees placed in correction centres are not entitled to compensation. If this is true, there is no possibility to compensate for the physical and mental loss incurred by Durga Prasad and his family," Prakash Chandra added. "Now, we must make efforts to take the case to the international court to ensure justice to Durga Prasad," he said, requesting the government, human rights activists, advocates and journalists to help his family.
Durga Prasad has been brought to Nepal on bail and he has to attend the court every six months.