Illegal old-age home busted in West Champaran, 15 inmates rescued

Bettiah: Fifteen elderly persons were rescued on Tuesday from an illegal old-age home operating in Khushi Tola under Bairia police station area of West Champaran district. The facility operator has been accused of physically assaulting inmates, verbally abusing them, and confining them against their will.Acting on specific inputs, a team led by sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vikas Kumar conducted a raid at the premises, and uncovered several shocking irregularities. Officials said the home’s license had already been cancelled in April, yet it continued to operate clandestinely.SDM Vikas Kumar said, “During the inspection, discrepancies were found in the records. While the register mentioned 30–40 residents, only 15 were present at the site. Authorities grew suspicious as the premises remained locked from the outside most of the time. Inside, the condition of the elderly was deplorable, with several inmates bearing visible injury marks. Sticks and batons were also recovered, allegedly used to assault residents.”Victims alleged they were brought from places such as Mahavir Mandir in Patna and various railway stations under false promises and then confined like prisoners. They claimed that any attempt to leave was met with physical violence. One woman alleged that when she resisted, “a cloth was stuffed into her mouth and she was beaten with sticks.”The matter came to light after the property owner, Rashmi Dwivedi, lodged a complaint with the district administration. She alleged that no rent had been paid for 21 months and that she was denied entry to her own property.According to the SDM, inmates were being housed under the guise of “rehabilitation” without authorisation from any competent committee, in clear violation of norms. Investigators also found that electricity was being used through illegal bypass connections.Medical examinations raised concerns over the use of medicines without prescriptions. Additionally, a young woman claiming to be a nurse was found to have no valid qualifications.An FIR has been registered against the operators of the facility, and further legal action is underway. All 15 rescued individuals have been shifted to a safe rehabilitation centre, “Umang.” Authorities have indicated that the investigation is being expanded to identify other locations linked to the network.