They ran away for good

Great escape

Narayana (60) and Ranjith (30), two inhabitants of Beggars’ Colony, escaped from the Rehabilitation Centre following deaths of their fellow inmates.

After being given food and necessary medical aid, the duo were handed over to the deputy Commissioner by Congress activists and members of the Rotary Club.

Narayana, who was articulative among the two, narrated his experience at the Rehabilitation Centre.

While, Ranjith, not able to speak in coherent manner, endorsed what his friend said by nodding his head. Narayana told mediapersons that they ran away from the Rehabilitation Centre on Friday evening, boarded a train and came to Shimoga via Birur. “At the time of boarding the train, we did not know where it was bound to. We just wanted to save our lives,” he said.

Narayana was a ragpicker from Doddaballapur, while Ranjith is from Hosur, Tamil Nadu. They were lodged at the Rehabilitation Centre for some time.

“Fearing similar fate our fellow inmates at the Centre met with, we decided to escape,” he said.

They begged the officials of the Social Welfare Department to not to send them back. “The place is nothing short of hell. They never provided us good food. The inmates were harassed by the staff members,” Narayana added.