Caretakers starve retired man to death, disabled daughter found near death

 

By Sumesh Rajan | December 30, 2025

Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A shocking case of prolonged abuse and neglect has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district, where a retired railway employee allegedly died of starvation after being held captive in his own home by caretakers hired to look after him and his mentally challenged daughter. The daughter was found in a critical condition, severely malnourished and barely conscious.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash Singh Rathore (70), a former senior railway clerk. His daughter Rashmi Rathore (27), who has an intellectual disability, was rescued in an extremely weak state. The incident came to light on Monday December 29 when relatives were informed of Om Prakash’s death and rushed to the house located in Hind Tire Gali under the Kotwali police station limits.

According to the victim’s brother Amar Singh Rathore, the family’s ordeal began after Om Prakash’s wife passed away in 2016. The father and daughter then shifted to a separate house, where a couple—Ram Prakash Kushwaha and Ramdevi Kushwaha—were hired as caretakers. Relatives allege that over time, the caretakers took control of the property, confining Om Prakash and Rashmi to rooms on the ground floor while they occupied the upper portion of the house.

Family members further alleged that the victims were systematically deprived of adequate food, medical care, and contact with the outside world. Whenever relatives attempted to visit, they were allegedly turned away with excuses and told that Om Prakash did not wish to meet anyone.

When relatives finally entered the house after learning of Om Prakash’s death, they were confronted with a horrifying scene. Om Prakash’s body was found severely emaciated, indicating prolonged starvation and neglect. Rashmi was discovered naked in a dark room, extremely weak and malnourished, with relatives stating that she appeared skeletal and barely alive.

Om Prakash was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police have taken custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. A detailed investigation has been initiated, and the accused caretakers are under scrutiny.

Neighbours expressed shock at the incident, recalling Om Prakash as a dignified man who once lived comfortably and was always well-dressed. Rashmi has now been taken into the care of her family, who are demanding the strictest possible punishment for those responsible for the alleged abuse and neglect.