Tags:
Journalism of Courage
For the last eight years,Jino Koli has been living in captivity. Tied to a tree at a farm in Jetpur village on the periphery of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary,the mans fault is his poor mental state. He is mentally retarded since birth,say his family members who believe this is the only way to control him and check his embarrassing behaviour.
The authorities came to know of him when a local businessman,a daily commuter on the road,clicked photos of Koli and passed it on to the local administration and the media.
Kolis family says it has no plans to untie him.
With just a torn shirt on him,the man in his thirties has one of his legs tied to a tree in the area where movement of wild animals is common. Justifying their act,Kolis brother Mulubhai,a small-time farmer in Jetpur,says: He would run naked,causing embarrassment for every one. He would beat his mother and other women. So,he has been tied up. The family claims Koli is fed well. The tree is on our farm, adds his uncle Ram.
Junagadh Collector A M Parmar was not available for comment. District Superintendent of Police Dipankar Trivedi said,A team has been sent to Jetpur village. After a thorough investigation,action will be taken against those responsible.
