Daijiworld Media Network – Agra

Agra, Jul 18: In a deeply disturbing incident near the iconic Taj Mahal, an elderly man was found tied up and locked inside a parked car, allegedly by his own family, raising serious questions about elder neglect and abuse. The shocking scene unfolded at the Western Gate parking area on Thursday afternoon.

The victim, identified as Hariom Tandale, father of Mumbai resident Siddheshwar Tandale, was discovered in a critical state by a parking attendant. With the temperature soaring, the elderly man was reportedly bound with a piece of cloth and left alone inside the sealed vehicle.

Eyewitnesses at the spot, alarmed by the man's condition, broke the car window to free him. “He appeared weak and semi-conscious when we pulled him out. The heat inside the vehicle was suffocating,” said one of the rescuers.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sonam Kumar confirmed the details, stating, “Siddheshwar Tandale had come to visit the Taj Mahal along with his family. For reasons still unclear, his elderly father was left behind in the car. After breaking the window, locals managed to rescue him.”

While an ambulance was called to the scene, DCP Kumar noted that the man's condition stabilised shortly after being taken out of the vehicle.

Curiously, no complaint has been registered, and the family later left the spot with the elderly man, according to police.

The incident has sparked outrage among locals and on social media, with calls for an investigation into possible elder abuse or negligence. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of taking suo motu cognizance of the case if new information emerges.

The Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and care, ironically became the backdrop for a troubling episode of apparent familial disregard.