Man allegedly locked up by family for 15 years freed

INDIA: A man allegedly locked up by his family for 15 years for marrying against their wishes was freed by government officials in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, a report said Monday.

Narottam Sethi was allegedly confined in a room at Koshala village in Orissa's Angul district after he married a tribal girl, Angul's administrator Suresh Kumar Vasisth told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"After we came to know about the incident, we had ordered an inquiry into the matter. It was found to be true," Vasisth told the news agency.

Officials sent to Sethi's house reported that he appeared to be "normal" despite his long confinement, the news agency said.

Sethi's family, however, said he was kept locked up because of insanity, the report quoted Vasisth as saying.

"Narottam was mentally disturbed and kept attacking villagers. That's why we kept him in a room," the official quoted a family member as telling him.

Sethi, who is now in his forties, was rescued and taken to hospital for medical attention as he was found to be suffering from dehydration and malnutrition, the report said.

"Our first priority is to ensure that he regains his health," Vasisth said.

"Of course, if the family members are found to be guilty, we will take necessary action."

New Delhi, Tuesday, AFP