Bhubneswar, July 27: A 65-year-old man was found living in distress at the DAV Bus Stop in Rourkela, where he reportedly spent 15 days seeking help after allegedly being abandoned by his family.

The elderly man, identified as Kalandi Charan Sethi from Nimapada in Puri district, broke down while narrating his ordeal to members of the public. He alleged that his elder son and daughter-in-law forced him out of the house after taking away his earnings from daily wage labour.

“ My 22-year-old younger son died, and my wife also passed away a few years later. I had hoped my elder son would support me in my old age, but he turned against me. I was forced to work despite my age, and whatever I earned was taken away by my son. When I said I could no longer work, I was thrown out of the house,” Kalandi said.

According to Kalandi, he had moved to Rourkela nearly four decades ago with his wife in search of employment. A trained welder, he worked hard to provide for his family, raised two sons, and arranged his daughter’s marriage.

He said his elder son, who previously worked at a private company, had stopped going to work in recent months. With no other source of income, Kalandi claimed he was forced to work as a labourer to support the family. He alleged that his earnings were regularly taken by his son and that he later faced harassment from his daughter-in-law when he was unable to provide money.

After being driven out of his home, Kalandi took shelter at the bus stop and survived on food provided by strangers. He expressed a desire to return to his native village, saying he would leave if someone helped him with travel expenses.

After hearing his story, several compassionate individuals came forward to provide assistance. Efforts were reportedly underway to arrange his return to his village.