Kolkata Police to help elderly act against torture from wards

Kolkata: Kolkata Police's community policing wing will now reach out to elderly persons assisting them to take legal routes against alleged torture from their wards.

For senior citizens, registering complaints against children or their legal heirs for not providing basic care to them after inheriting properties or for other disputes, a special form will now be available at the police stations.

"We receive several complaints from senior citizens being abandoned by their children after 'grabbing' their properties. Their grievances are resolved in tribunals (institution with authority to judge, adjudicate on, or determine claims or disputes). In a bid to help them to connect with the tribunal, the complainant needs to fill up the form at the police station. NGO Help Age India is also helping us in this regard," said Satyajit Bandyopadhyay, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of Kolkata Police's community policing wing. If the complainant is unable to read or write, then the police official will fill up the form on his/her behalf. The information to be furnished in the application form includes name of the complainant, address, telephone number, source of income, detailed information about the offenders (son/daughter/legal heir) and any other document the applicant wishes to furnish.

Depending upon the area, the complaint will be shifted to the respective tribunals by the police. This apart, the police official, after getting permission from the complainant, will also act as an advocate to help him/her get their basic rights.

"Senior citizens who are being tortured by their children or legal heirs should immediately call at the Help Line No: 1800–345–1253. We will soon reach out to them and resolve their problem," added Anuradha Sen, Director (Advocacy) of Help Age India.

She reiterated that most of the senior citizens don't know about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The Act makes it a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance and monthly allowances. It also provides simple, speedy and inexpensive mechanism for the protection of life and property of the elderly. While the Act mandates that the maximum maintenance paid will be Rs 10,000 per month, the maintenance amount is determined by the needs of the claimant/s.