UP Horror: Retired Railway Employee Dies, Mentally Challenged Daughter Found Starving After 5-Year Captivity by Caretakers in Mahoba District
Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district are investigating the death of a 70-year-old retired railway employee and the rescue of his critically ill daughter, allegedly starved and held captive by caretakers for five years. Authorities suspect abuse, neglect and possible financial motives behind the prolonged confinement
Mahoba, December 30: Police in the Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh have launched an investigation following the death of a 70-year-old retired railway employee and the rescue of his 27-year-old daughter. The two were reportedly held captive and starved by their caretakers for five years. The victim, identified as Omprakash Singh Rathore, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital on Monday, while his daughter, Rashmi, remains in critical condition due to severe emaciation.
Discovery of the Incident
The situation came to light when relatives reached the family home on Monday after being informed of Omprakash’s death. Upon entering the premises, they discovered Rashmi in a dark, confined room. According to family members, the 27-year-old was found in a state of extreme starvation, with her physical condition described as skeletal. BEST Bus Crash: 4 Dead After BEST Bus Rams Into Pedestrians Near Bhandup Railway Station in Mumbai, Driver Taken Into Custody (Watch Videos).
Retired Employees Dies in Mahoba, Daughter Founder Starving in Mahoba
Witnesses at the scene stated that the daughter appeared significantly older than her actual age due to prolonged malnutrition. Family members immediately alerted local authorities, who took custody of Omprakash’s body for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Details of the Captivity
The primary suspects in the case are the family’s caretakers, identified as Ram Prakash Kushwaha and his wife, Ramdevi. Relatives allege that the couple effectively took control of the household, confining the elderly man and his mentally challenged daughter to the lower level of the house while the caretakers occupied the upper floor.
According to statements from Omprakash’s brother, Amar Singh, the caretakers systematically isolated the victims from the outside world. Whenever family members attempted to visit, the caretakers would reportedly offer excuses, claiming that Omprakash was unwell or did not wish to see anyone. This deception allegedly allowed the abuse to continue unnoticed for half a decade.
Background and Context
Omprakash Singh Rathore was a retired senior railway clerk known in his community for his dignified lifestyle. Following the death of his wife in 2016, the family hired Kushwaha and Ramdevi to assist with daily chores and the care of his daughter. Neighbors expressed shock at the discovery, noting that they had not seen the retired official in years despite living in close proximity.
Current Status of Investigation
Local police have registered a case and are currently questioning the accused caretakers. Investigators are looking into whether the motive behind the captivity was related to the misappropriation of Omprakash’s pension or control over the property. Tiger Attack in Madhya Pradesh: Big Cat Enters House in Umaria Village, Sits on Cot After Injuring Resident; Rescued (Watch Video).
Rashmi is currently receiving medical attention and is under the care of her extended family. Authorities have assured the family that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure those responsible for the neglect and captivity face the strictest legal consequences.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2025 08:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).