Child tied on a rope: No provision of home nor food

By Gokarna Dayal, Baitadi, March 9: The age of six year old should be of playing and living freely, however, it is not the case of Karishma Bhatta, who was found tied in one of the window of her neighbors to restrict her movements. If not with the help of neighbors, she would have been caged in a dark room like she was for the last three years. Now, at least she can see the yard of the house even though in a tied state.

She is sleeping in the pen house of neighbor for lack of living place in her home. She is being tied like an animal in a window because of mental imbalance. The resident of Dasharath Municiplaity-5, Nauhat village, Karishma, is in poor health state both mentally and physically.

Her father, Suresh Bhatta, aged 30, fell down cutting grass in the jungle and broke his waist. Mother, Duradevi Bhatta, said that Karishma is being tied as she cannot talk and has the tendency of running away from home.

She said that Karishma is getting treatment because of the financial difficulties. She said," My only daughter is being tied down because of her unstable mental state. She runs away if not tied down. We do not have our own house so our family is taking refuge in neighbor's house.

According to the family, Karishma suffered from pneumonia when she was six months old. She was taken to the Pithauragadh, India by her father by taking out loans for her treatment. However, she was growing up, Karishma was unable to talk and used to run away frequently so she was tied by a rope.

Janaki Bhatta, aged 65, a neighbor, said that Karishma was caged in a dark room for last three years as there was no one in her family to take care of her. She said that Karishma was freed from dark room as they could not see her pitiful condition.

"Karishma did not get the needed treatment. Her family has no home for living. On top of that, her father had broken his waist by falling while collecting grass. They do not have food to eat. Karishma cannot speak even when she is hungry. I give her food and bread," said neighbor Janaki.

Royal Hillyouth Club located at the Dasharath Municipality-4, has been providing food to the Bhatta family after their miserable conduction came out in the news. Karishma was freed from the rope when she was given biscuit by the club. Her mother got her water and she ate her biscuits by dipping in the water.

Mohit Bhandari, member of the Royal Hill Youth Club, said," The condition of Karishma left many people shattered. In the age of playing, she is living like a caged animal. We have decided to support the family by buying food from the money that was collected by playing Holi."

Keshav Lekhak, ward chair-5, said that doctor has told that Karishma can get well if received proper treatment. But, her family is no state of giving her treatment. He said that Karishma has been recommended for the social security fund.

He said, "There is no right to directly give money by the ward. There is a need of the disability card written by the doctor so we took her to the hospital. Now, she has the disability card and Karishma will receive funds."