State among worst in country for senior citizens

As many as 354 persons above the age of 50 years were murdered across the state in 2011, according to National Crime Records Bureau, HT reports.

As many as 354 persons above the age of 50 years were murdered across the state in 2011, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

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The figure meant Maharashtra ranked fourth among all states in terms of people murdered in this age group.

Of the 354 persons who were murdered, 252 are males while 102 are females.

Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of murders in this age group with 387 being reported, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 383 murders and Madhya Pradesh with 357.

When asked about the security measures that senior citizens need to take, Dr Sheelu Srinivasan, chairperson of Dignity foundation said, “The only person that can protect the victim (senior citizen) in this case is the victim. We have held several workshops wherein we have given safety tips that are to be kept in mind. The police have also given a list of do’s and don’ts to the senior citizens. At the end of the day, it is they who have to ensure that the security measures are followed.”

The list of tips given by them include ensuring that citizens do not keep cash or valuables in cupboards in front of their domestic helps and not letting strangers inside the house.

“These crimes are preventable and the tips given to the senior citizens should be taken seriously,” added Srinivasan.

Additional commissioner of police (east region) Qaiser Khalid reiterated Srinivasan’s viewpoint.

“We have conducted several drives to ensure that safety tips are followed by senior citizens. However at the end of the day, it is up to them to take the tips seriously,” he said.