Etah Administration Steps In After 10-Year-Old Boy Arrives Alone With Mother's Body
A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Etah when a 10-year-old boy arrived alone at a postmortem house with his mother's body. The district administration has now reached out to support the child and his teenage sister, who faced abandonment after their parents fell ill with HIV.
A Lonely Journey to the Postmortem House
The 52-year-old woman died on Wednesday night. She had been undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and HIV at Veerangana Avanti Bai Medical College in Etah. On Thursday morning, her young son arrived at the post-mortem facility. Hospital staff accompanied him, wheeling the body on a stretcher, but no family members were present.
Locals noticed the child standing alone and crying next to his mother's body. They quickly alerted the police. Jaithra SHO Ritesh Kumar Thakur took immediate responsibility. He arranged for the woman's last rites, ensuring dignity in her final moments.
Family Tragedy and Abandonment
The boy's father died of HIV last year. His death left the family without any earning member. The boy shared his painful experience with reporters. He said, "When papa got AIDS, everyone stopped speaking to us." This abandonment extended to when both parents became ill, leaving the children isolated.
Some relatives eventually came forward. The woman was cremated on Friday at her ancestral village. The last rites took place around 1 pm. Family members, villagers, and police personnel attended the ceremony, providing some solace.
Administration's Swift Response and Future Plans
District probation officer Ajaypal Singh explained the administration's actions. A team was present at the cremation site. They are now assessing the situation of the boy and his 16-year-old sister to determine the best course of action.
Singh outlined the options available. If someone from the family or community is ready to care for the children, they will receive government benefits. Under the relevant scheme, each child would get Rs 4,000 per month. This financial support aims to ease the burden on caregivers.
If no one comes forward, the children will be sent to a child welfare home in Agra. Singh emphasized that the administration will do whatever serves the children's best interests. Their welfare remains the top priority in this difficult time.
The Boy's Hopeful Words
The young boy spoke briefly about his hopes. He said, "I am looking forward to the cooperation of all sides, including my relatives and the administration." His words reflect a resilience that touches the heart, despite the immense challenges he faces.
Police described the family as impoverished. The children's only immediate support appears to come from their maternal relatives. This situation highlights the broader issues of stigma and support for families affected by HIV.
The Etah district administration's intervention marks a crucial step. It ensures that these vulnerable children do not fall through the cracks. Their story underscores the need for continued community and governmental support in such tragic circumstances.
