Jaisalmer: A woman was found living with heavy iron shackles fastened to her legs in Bhatton Ki Dhani in the Bada Bagh area of Jaisalmer district Friday, prompting intervention by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). She was rescued and shifted to a rehabilitation home for treatment and care, officials said.The woman, identified as Sugna, alleged her brother-in-law had confined her by chaining her legs. She told officials she has five children, with younger children still dependent and one married, but could not clearly state why she had been restrained.The case surfaced during a quarterly inspection by the DLSA after a Para Legal Volunteer reported that a woman was allegedly being kept restrained in shackles in Bada Bagh, around six kilometres from the district headquarters.DLSA secretary and additional district and sessions judge Lalit Purohit constituted a special team and ordered immediate action.Officials who reached the spot found the woman in a temporary stone shelter with iron shackles tied to her legs. The district administration and Social Welfare Department carried out the rescue operation. The shackles were removed, and she was taken to a rehabilitation facility.Officials said she appeared mentally vulnerable and preliminary inquiry suggested she had not received proper medical treatment for a long period. They indicated that due to family circumstances and lack of awareness, she was allegedly kept restrained instead of being provided care.Purohit directed counselling and sought a detailed report on the matter, which is to be submitted to the State Legal Services Authority.Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances, the duration of the restraint, and whether legal action is warranted against those responsible.
