Anup Kumar Nair, a 55-year-old former computer programmer from Navi Mumbai, was rescued last week after being locked inside his apartment in Juinagar for over three years, completely isolated from the outside world. Nair had voluntarily confined himself due to severe depression triggered by the deaths of his parents and elder brother.
His only contact with the outside world was through food delivery apps, which he used to meet basic needs. The Panvel-based NGO SEAL (Social and Evangelical Association for Love) intervened after a concerned neighbour alerted them.
Upon entering his flat, they found him living in squalid conditions, suffering from a serious leg infection. He is now receiving medical treatment and psychological counselling at SEAL Ashram, showing early signs of recovery.
A Hidden Life of Isolation and Despair
Nair’s tragic journey into isolation began after a series of devastating personal losses. His mother, Poonamma Nair, a retired Indian Air Force employee, and father, V P Kutty Krishnan Nair, a former Tata Hospital employee, passed away within the last six years.
Additionally, his elder brother died by suicide over two decades ago. These compounded tragedies left Nair emotionally shattered and battling severe depression. Over time, he withdrew from friends, neighbours, and relatives, choosing to confine himself within the four walls of his flat in Gharkool Society, Sector 24, Juinagar. His only lifeline was food delivery apps, which helped him survive but did not alleviate his loneliness.
When SEAL’s team finally entered his apartment, they found him surrounded by garbage, broken furniture, and human waste, living in extremely unhygienic conditions. Pastor K M Philip of SEAL described the scene: “We were shocked to see that Nair was sleeping on a chair because his bed was unusable. The flat was filled with rubbish and neglect.”
The Role of Community and Mental Health Experts
The rescue operation was triggered by the vigilance of a local resident, Nikhil Marathe, who noticed the worsening state of Nair’s apartment and alerted SEAL. Society chairman Vijay Shibe confirmed that Nair rarely opened his door and that neighbours had limited contact with him over the years.
“We also helped him transfer the fixed deposit of his parents to his account,” Shibe added, highlighting the community’s efforts to assist despite the barriers. Mental health professionals stress that Nair’s case is not unique. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Priyanka Mahajan explained, “Depression can lead to social withdrawal and extreme isolation, especially when compounded by grief and trauma.”
She further noted that individuals in such states often feel hopeless and unable to seek help. Nair himself expressed his despair to caregivers, saying, “My parents are gone, my brother is gone, and I have no friends left. My health is also not good. So there’s no scope for a new beginning.” This candid admission underscores the depth of his emotional pain.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Nair’s story is a poignant reminder of the pervasive but often invisible mental health crisis affecting urban populations. It highlights how loneliness and psychological trauma can push even educated and previously active individuals into extreme isolation. The compassionate intervention by neighbours and SEAL is commendable, yet this incident calls for a broader societal response.
It is imperative to strengthen community support networks, improve mental health awareness, and encourage people to reach out to those who may be silently suffering.
As Abraham Mathai of SEAL poignantly observed, “It is ironic how some citizens become extremely lonely and depressed in this crowded city as they are unable to reach out for help.” How can we cultivate a culture of empathy and vigilance to ensure no one slips through the cracks of our social fabric?
