THE DISTRICT administration found itself in a tight spot following the starvation death of 50-year-old Simrikhia in Sardar Patel locality of Salempur town in Deoria district on Wednesday.
Though the district administration was aware of the plight of Simrikhia, it failed to show any sensitivity in this case. However, SDM Santosh Kumar Vaishya denied that the death occurred due to starvation and said Simrikhia died due to prolonged illness.
Accirding to reports, Simrikhia was struggling hard to survive for the last four months. Taking cognizance of the reports of her plight published in local newspapers and after verification of facts, district authorities had directed the officials to provide foodgrains and Rs 1000 cash to Simrikhia. However, she was provided only 15 Kg paddy which did not last long.
Simrikhia was hospitalised at a community health centre in July. CHC in-charge Dr Vijay Pratap Singh Yadav admitted in his report on July 17 that Simrikhia was malnourished and was suffering from severe anaemia and infection. She needed proper nutrition. According to reports, two days later Simrikhia was discharged from the community health centre.
She was living in a hut and was starving when she breathed her last on Wednesday. Her neighbour Shivanath Sahni, Kunti Devi and Mithai Lal said that Simrikhia was depending on her neighbours for one meal a day for the last seven days.
According to reports, Simrikhia’s only son Kamal died due to malnutrition three year back in 2003. She was deprived of any benefits from the government.
{{/usCountry}}According to reports, Simrikhia’s only son Kamal died due to malnutrition three year back in 2003. She was deprived of any benefits from the government.
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