Nagpur: A 62-year-old man from Buldhana, Asarappa Ramappa Bedare, is fighting against all odds to locate his specially-abled brother, Omkar, who went missing on October 29, 2024. Frustrated with the alleged inaction of Sitabuldi police, Bedare has announced a hunger strike on January 26 to highlight his brother’s case and advocate for reforms addressing the neglect of homeless individuals suffering from mental illnesses.
Brother’s Disappearance During Diwali Journey:
Omkar, who has been battling mental health issues for over 25 years, went missing while traveling with Bedare to their native village in Buldhana for Diwali. The incident occurred at Mor Bhavan bus stop in Nagpur.
“Omkar had been under regular monitoring at Nagpur’s Government Mental Hospital for the last decade. On Diwali, while I was arranging for our journey at Mor Bhavan, he disappeared. I searched for 20 minutes before reporting the matter to Sitabuldi Police Station,” said Bedare.
Allegations of Police Apathy:
Bedare claims the Sitabuldi police failed to act promptly, leading to a significant delay in the search.
“Despite reporting the incident within 30 minutes, I urged the police to check CCTV footage, but they cited technical issues, wasting crucial time. Only after Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madane intervened was the footage reviewed. Omkar was seen following me near the bus stop, but additional footage couldn’t be retrieved because the cameras weren’t functional,” he said.
Bedare believes immediate action on the day of the incident could have helped locate his brother.
Spotlight on Mental Health Neglect:
The incident has prompted Bedare to raise concerns about the plight of mentally ill individuals, particularly those living on the streets without access to essential resources.
“Mental health patients roaming the streets are treated inhumanely and denied food, clothing, and medical care. It’s heartbreaking to see their condition deteriorate due to neglect. I urge the government to address this issue with urgency,” Bedare emphasized.
Plans for Hunger Strike and Advocacy:
Currently staying at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Shelter in Sitabuldi, Bedare begins his day visiting temples and later heads to Sitabuldi Police Station to seek updates. He survives on meals provided by temples and the Shiv Bhojan scheme while meeting officials and local leaders.
“For the last three months, this has been my daily routine. If my brother is not found by January 26, I will launch a hunger strike in Nagpur. I’ve already submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. If needed, I will approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to draw attention to the condition of homeless mental health patients,” he said.