Hiranprabha’s sons in front of the office of the District Legal Services Authority in Jalpaiguri on Wednesday and (top) Kiranbala in front of the Kotwali police station. Pictures by Biplab Basak

Siliguri, June 11: A 75-year-old widow in Jalpaiguri today complained to police that she was forced to flee home after her daughter-in-law threatened to set her ablaze, even as another elderly woman was assured by her sons before a legal aid forum that they would take care of her.

Eighty-eight-year-old Hiranprabha Bhowmik had filed a complaint through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) against her sons who threw her out of their houses on May 27. Today, five of her six sons submitted an undertaking, promising to contribute Rs 300 a month each for her expenses. She will stay with Asok, the fourth son.

“The DLSA had asked the sons to appear before it for the hearing initially scheduled for June 6. It was postponed for various reasons,” said Swarup Mondal, a lawyer who had helped Hiranprabha file the petition. “Today, the five brothers agreed to pay Rs 300 each for her monthly expenses while she lives with the fourth son. They will also look after her throughout her lifetime.”

Ashish Kumar Hazra, the civil judge (senior division) of Jalpaiguri and the DLSA secretary, passed the order after hearing the brothers.

Kiranbala Das, a resident of Arabindanagar, however, has nowhere to go. She was spotted weeping in front of the Kotwali police station after she fled home this morning.

“I was an ayah at the district hospital in Jalpaiguri and live on my pension,” she said at the police station. “I pay part of the money to my son Shibu and his wife Apu for my expenses. But even then Apu often beats me up and my son never protests.” Her elder son Shankar is a policeman employee and lives elsewhere.”

According to Kiranbala, Apu had assaulted and abused her till 2am last night. The daughter-in-law had even threatened to set her on fire. “I was so frightened that I fled home,” she said in her complaint.

Apu, who was summoned to the police station, admitted that there had been an altercation, but said she had not assaulted or threatened her mother-in-law. The police are searching for Shibu, a carpenter. “We are trying for an amicable settlement,” a police official said. Kiranbala has been sent to Jalpaiguri District Hospital for treatment after she complained about the assault, he added.

Concerned over increasing instances of old parents moving court and going through lengthy trials after being humiliated by their children, the Bengal government has decided to activate in the next Assembly session a central law to ensure that the heirs to the aged provide them with accommodation, food, medicines and recreational facilities. According to the law, all legal heirs must also ensure the protection of their life and property. Any violation of the law will result in three months' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5,000.