A 61-year-old man in eastern China was left with just 42 yuan (Rs 510) after his wife allegedly siphoned off 1.1 million yuan (Rs 1.3 crore) from his account following a debilitating stroke on their wedding day.
According to News Morning Post, Wang, a Shanghai resident, had divorced over two decades ago and raised his daughter alone. In 2016, he married Ren Fang, a woman 16 years younger. On the day of their wedding, Wang collapsed from a stroke and was hospitalised. His condition worsened over the years, leaving him paralysed and unable to speak.
In 2020, Wang’s previous home was demolished, and he received over 2 million yuan (Rs 2.6 crore) in compensation, including a new flat. Ren soon had Wang declared legally incompetent and named herself sole guardian. She also sued her stepdaughter for a share of the property compensation, but the court awarded Wang 1.1 million yuan and the rest to his daughter.
Wang’s daughter alleged that Ren transferred the funds into an account she controlled and withdrew large sums over two years—sometimes up to 50,000 yuan (about Rs 6 lakh) in a single day. By August last year, only 42 yuan (Rs 510) remained.
Guardianship battle
Ren claimed the money was used for nursing home bills and health supplements, and that she moved the funds to a hometown bank for better interest rates. But Wang’s daughter pointed out that his 6,000-yuan (monthly pension already covered all expenses.
The court ruled in favour of the daughter, appointing both women as co-guardians. All financial decisions now require joint signatures. A separate attempt by Ren to divide the resettlement flat was also denied.
“The essence of guardianship lies not in titles, but in who can genuinely care for an incapacitated loved one,” the judge said.
Wang remains bedridden, communicating only through gestures. His daughter continues to fight for his financial and physical well-being.
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