Pune: A 46-year-old man, born with a disability, has filed a complaint against his mother for mental harassment and attempts to disinherit him from the family property.
The incident has sparked attention regarding the treatment of disabled individuals within families and the psychological impacts of such treatment.
The complainant, a resident of Tathawade, reported to the Chatuhshrungi Police Station that his mother, who is 74 years old and resides in Wakad, has long harbored disdain towards him due to his disability.
The son grew up living with his parents and older brother in Someshwarwadi. After marrying in 2010, his wife, who works in an IT company, provided him with additional support.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse following the death of his father on December 18, 2022.
A few days after his father’s passing, the mother reportedly asked her son to sign some documents she had prepared.
The complainant alleged that she had previously forced him to sign various documents with the intent of denying him his rightful share in the ancestral property, a claim stemming from her prejudice against his disability.
When he refused to sign the new documents, he was subjected to humiliation during funeral rituals, as family members mocked him due to his condition.
This ongoing emotional abuse escalated to public ridicule, where he was taunted in the society’s parking area for being disabled. The mental toll of these experiences led to severe anxiety and heart problems, further diminishing his self-esteem and confidence.
On April 18, 2023, when his mother demanded he sign more documents, he questioned their purpose, only to be met with threats and intimidation.
The physical confrontation reached a point where she attempted to pull him out of his wheelchair, prompting his wife to intervene. Disheartened by his brother's indifference when he shared the ordeal, the complainant's mental health declined, ultimately leading to a forced leave from work.
After moving out of his home on July 24, 2024, in search of peace, the complainant’s mental health began to improve.
He decided to take legal action against his mother for her sustained harassment. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the police have now filed charges against her. The investigation is being conducted by Police Sub-Inspector Shamal Patil.