Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP/HB)

Udupi, Aug 21: Well-known social worker, Vishu Shetty Ambalpady, has rescued a mentally unsound person living in uncivilized condition in a house covered by plants and bushes near Bhadragiri church road, Baikady. The man was admitted into Dr A V Baliga Hospital at Doddanagudde here, on Thursday August 19.

Shetty had been informed about the bad condition of the man by Manjunath Alandur, supervisor of Brahmavar tuberculosis hospital. Social worker Taranath Mesta Shirur and ASHA worker Tulasi Baikady, helped in the rescue operation. The patient has been identified as Alfred D'Souza (58), son of Gregory D’Souza. Alfred is a science graduate and was having a good employment. His relatives, if any, have been requested to contact the help centre at Dr A V Baliga Hospital.

Alfred was living alone in a tiled house. The walls of the house had collapsed during the last rainy season, and only a small portion was still standing. Various things lay scattered in the house and the mud walls which were wet were facing the prospects of crashing anytime. As there was no lighting, danger perception was high.

Alfred used to live in the attic of the house and ate food provided by a neighbour. His house was covered by plants and bushes. Alfred said that he chose to live in the attic as there is risk of snakes, scorpion and other poisonous animals on the ground.

It is tragic that a person had to live helplessly in the midst of the civilized society. Vishu Shetty lamented the fact that the administrative machinery failed to identify the patient, rescue him and treat him or rehabilitate him. He has urged the departments concerned to provide rehabilitation to the man at least now.