Concerns Rise Over Safety of Elderly in Guwahati Amid Recent Murders

Increasing Insecurity for Seniors in Guwahati

Is Guwahati becoming a perilous place for its elderly residents? The recent homicides of senior citizens suggest a troubling trend. Two shocking incidents involving elderly women living independently have not only alarmed the city but also raised pressing concerns regarding the safety of its aging population.

The latest incident involved 69-year-old Bandana Das, whose lifeless body was discovered in her locked home in Kharghuli on July 2. The police acted promptly, apprehending her caretaker, Ratul Das, the following day, who allegedly confessed to the crime during questioning.

This case follows closely on the heels of another disturbing event on June 17, where 75-year-old Sayera Sultana, a retired educator, was found dead in her residence on Rangpur Path in Panjabari. Like Das, she lived alone. Authorities arrested one Mohammed Abdul Aziz, alias Kari Janab, who was reportedly seen leaving the premises shortly before the body was found.

These incidents have ignited widespread concern regarding the safety of elderly individuals in Guwahati, especially those without immediate family support or adequate security measures.

Community Response and Increased Vigilance

The recent crimes have significantly impacted public perception and are prompting families to rethink their approach to eldercare, leading to increased vigilance and self-sufficiency.

Bibhash Sarma, an engineer residing in Bengaluru, shared the measures his family has implemented. "My retired parents live in Jayanagar, Guwahati, and my sister, who works in a private company, looks after them. After hearing about dacoits targeting apartments, we installed digital locks and advised our parents not to open the door to strangers when my sister is away," he explained, illustrating the proactive steps families are taking.

The safety of seniors who depend on external assistance has also become a significant worry. Nilima Das, a freelancer, recounted her experience: "I returned to Guwahati after my father's passing, contemplating hiring a caretaker for my mother. However, my relatives raised trust issues. After the Bandana Das incident, I’m relieved I chose to come back. It’s challenging to determine whom to trust these days."

Many families are now turning to technology and structural enhancements to bolster home security for their elderly relatives. Ashish Bhuyan, a retired government worker in Lokhra, mentioned, "Both my children live outside Assam, so we’ve installed CCTV cameras around our property. We’ve also hired a caretaker and built a small room for him outside the house. He stays there after 8 pm, which gives us peace of mind."

Some families are relying on community support for reassurance. Nirmal Haloi, a bank employee stationed in Tripura, expressed that his family feels relatively secure due to their close-knit neighborhood in Guwahati.

Police Response and Ongoing Challenges

In light of the rising concerns, a senior police official stated that while law enforcement takes these crimes seriously, there are inherent limitations to what they can prevent.

"It’s impossible for police to know what transpires within private residences before a crime occurs," the official remarked, preferring to remain anonymous.

He acknowledged that while police verification of caretakers or tenants is a preventive measure, it is not infallible. In Bandana Das's case, the suspect had no prior criminal history that would have raised alarms. "There could be numerous similar situations," he added, highlighting procedural constraints.

The official emphasized that once a crime is committed, the police prioritize swift investigations and legal proceedings. "Our duty is to resolve the case quickly, file a chargesheet, and ensure that offenders face legal consequences. This sends a strong message that no one can evade the law," he stated.

At Paltan Bazar Police Station, a senior officer noted that while complaints from elderly citizens are infrequent, they are treated with the utmost seriousness. "We don’t receive many complaints from seniors, but when we do, we handle them with great care."

The recent events serve as a stark reminder of how quickly the vulnerable can become victims. They highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy—enhanced family and community support, safer hiring practices, and more proactive policing.

As Guwahati continues to develop, it must also enhance its commitment to safeguarding those who once cared for us. The safety of the elderly should not be left to chance or the next headline.