Mumbai:
At a time when safety of senior citizens is a growing concern in Mumbai with the rising incidences of crime against them by strangers and family members, some commuters at Chinchpokli railway station, have donned the avatar of guardian angels. They have taken the onus of looking after 90-year-old Savitri Kashiram Desai upon themselves.
Savitri has made the station her home for the past three months. Her family has abandoned her. Seeing her plight, concerned commuters started bringing meals and water bottles for her. They provided her with a blanket and have even requested the railway police to keep a watch on Savitri until they find her a proper shelter. Few have even tried to convince the family to take her home, but they don't want her back.
Even Savitri is against the idea of returning home, which is only three minutes from the railway station. She alleges that her family members harass her. "They used to beat me regularly and have thrown me out of the house. Now, I don't want to go back, "says Savitri, who earned her living as a housemaid.
After her husband's death, Savitri raised her four children -- two girls and two boys - with great difficulty. However, tragically, 10 years ago three of her children, her daughters Sunanda and Shakuntala and younger son Arun died in quick succession.
After being diagnosed with an illness, her only living son, Ravi too was handicapped. Ravi's wife Meenakshi and their two children along with Arun's widow Suhasini resided with Savitri.
Last year, Savitri injured her hip and was admitted to KEM hospital. After this incident the family's behaviour changed towards her. Neighbours claim that family members started calling her a liability and confirmed Savitri's allegations of abuse.
Neighbours allege Suhasini and her sons used to regularly beat and harass both Savitri and Ravi.
The family members, however, claims Savitri allegations are false. However, her 59-year-old son Ravi confirms that she was treated badly.
"I am willing to bring her back home, but she won't return. I am handicapped and helpless in this situation. I am extremely worried about her welfare," said Ravi, who works as a liftman in a bank.