Daijiworld Media Network

Simdega (Jharkhand), Oct 22: The family of the girl who allegedly died of starvation in Jharkhand's Simdega district, is now living in constant fear as the villagers are threatening and abusing them for 'defaming' the village.

On September 28, 11-year-old Santoshi Kumari died due to starvation as her mother Koyli Devi was denied food supplies as her ration card was not linked to the Aadhaar card. "My daughter’s last words were bhat-bhat (rice)," claims the mother.

After the issue was covered by the media, Koyli Devi said the villagers thronged outside her house and abused her family. Following the threats, Devi and her family travelled to Patiamba village and took shelter.

The police then brought them back to Simdega and deployed a security team outside their residence.

Saryu Roy, the food minister of the state, said a legal action would be taken if anyone threatens the woman.

Roy says he spoke to the deputy commissioner who sent a team to investigate the issue. It was found that a ward commissioner had threatened Koyli Devi and he has been warned.

Roy adds that Devi’s family has been given the Antyodaya card which provides 35 kilograms of grains in one month. Upon investigation it was found that Devi’s ration card was invalidated in July. While some say it was cancelled due to two similar names in the register others cite that it was cancelled as it was not linked to Aadhaar.

"We have already arranged for an Aadhaar card, but one cannot be denied ration in its absence. Therefore, I have given necessary instruction in the ministry to make an exception register at the ration shops, where a card will be provided to the needy, who cannot get registered on the machine, due to some disability or other documents related issues," he added.

Speaking about the ongoing investigation, he said it is difficult to ascertain if the death was due to starvation or an ailment. Starvation often becomes the cause of an ailment, but it is still hard to prove the death through hunger. I have asked my authorities to deal the issue with sensitivity, he adds.

Meanwhile, chief minister Raghubar Das said that action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.