Dhanbad: The district administration has extended assistance to 75-year-old Surendra Soren, who has been living alone in a hut inside Kamalpur forest in Tundi block for around 15 years.Taking note of reports about Soren’s living conditions, deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan directed Tundi block development officer Vishal Pandey to visit the area and provide immediate relief.Pandey inspected the site and supplied Soren with dry ration and essential food items, including rice, pulses, flour and salt. Officials also repaired his makeshift hut to protect him during the monsoon and provided clothes, blankets and other daily use items.Officials said Soren’s family had repeatedly tried to persuade him to return home, but he had declined. His relatives, however, continue to visit him periodically and check on his well-being.“The administration will soon hold discussions with his family to explore the possibility of bringing him back home,” the BDO said.The DC also directed officials to complete the formalities required to enrol Soren in eligible govt welfare schemes and ensure long-term support.Villagers said Soren had lived in isolation in the forest for nearly two decades, interacting with others only rarely.
