'No flesh left on her body': Retired railway employee dies, daughter found starving after years of abuse

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• Retired railway worker and daughter allegedly held and tortured for 5 years
• Omprakash Singh Rathore died; daughter Rashmi found critically ill and skeletal
• Police investigation underway; family demands strict punishment for caretakers

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A chilling case of prolonged abuse has surfaced from Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district, where a retired railway employee and his mentally challenged daughter were allegedly confined and tortured by their caretakers for nearly five years, leading to the man’s death and leaving the woman in critical condition.

The victim, Omprakash Singh Rathore, 70, was a former senior clerk with the Indian Railways.

After his wife died in 2016, Omprakash began living in a separate house with his 27-year-old daughter Rashmi, who has mental disabilities. To manage the household, the family hired a couple, Ram Prakash Kushwaha and his wife Ramdevi, as caretakers.

Citing Omprakash’s brother Amar Singh, NDTV reported that the caretakers gradually took complete control of the house. The couple allegedly confined Omprakash and Rashmi to rooms on the ground floor, while occupying the upper portion themselves and living comfortably.

Over time, the father and daughter were allegedly deprived of food, medical care and basic dignity. “Whenever relatives came to visit, the servant would make excuses and send them away, saying that Omprakash didn’t want to meet anyone,” Amar Singh said.

The alleged abuse came to light on Monday after the family was informed of Omprakash’s death. When relatives reached the house, they were confronted with disturbing scenes. Omprakash’s body was described as extremely frail, showing signs of prolonged neglect. Rashmi was found naked in a dark room, barely conscious.

Family members said Rashmi had been reduced to a skeletal state due to starvation. “There was no flesh left on her body; only a skeletal frame remained, barely clinging to life,” a relative, Pushpa Singh Rathore, told NDTV.

Omprakash was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police have taken custody of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Neighbours said they were stunned by the incident, recalling Omprakash as a dignified and well-respected man in the locality. Rashmi is now under the care of family members, who have demanded the strictest punishment for those responsible.

Police said an investigation is underway and further action will depend on medical and forensic findings.