J'khand starvation death: State govt. assures legal action on threatening Koyli Devi

Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], October 22 (ANI): The Jharkhand Government on Sunday said that it would ensure that Koyli Devi, the woman whose 11-year-old daughter died due to starvation a few days back, does not face any problem in her village Simdega.

Saryu Roy, the food minister of the state, said a legal action would be taken if anyone threatens the woman.

"As I received the news yesterday, I spoke to the area's deputy commissioner, who sent a team to take stock of the situation. The police met the woman and further investigated the person, reportedly a ward commissioner, who had threatened her. The government has taken a stern stand on the issue that the woman must be protected at any cost. A legal action will be taken against anyone, who threatens Koyli Devi," the minister said.

Koyli Devi said she was living in fear as the villagers were threatening and abusing her for 'defaming' the village.

"I have already sent a team of the Food Commission four days ago and a team of food rights organisation is also on its way. We have ensured now that she doesn't face any problem in her village," Roy added.

When asked if arrangements were made for Koyli's food, the minister said, "We have provided her the Antyodaya card, which provides 35 kilograms of grains in one month. She had the ration card with her earlier as well, but it was scrapped due to some reason in July. Some people are saying it was nullified, because of the presence of two similar names in the register, while others are quoting the absence of her Aadhar card."

"We have already arranged for an Aadhar card, but one can't be denied ration card in its absence. Therefore, I have given necessary instruction in the ministry to make an exception register at the ration shops, where a card will be provided to the needy, who can't get registered on the machine, due to some disability or other documents related issues," he added.

Answering a query about the ongoing investigation, Saryu said, "There is a continuous debate in the case if the death has been caused by starvation or an ailment. Starvation often becomes the cause of an ailment, but it is still hard to prove the death through hunger. I have asked my authorities to deal the issue with sensitivity and do it as a duty to the little girl, who died because we could not provide her a ration card for four months. Therefore, our actions will be limited to the investigation about the cancellation of ration card."(ANI)