Surat elderly couple seeks euthanasia, alleges harassment by civic officials

An elderly couple from Surat has sought permission for euthanasia, claiming that the sealing of shops that served as their sole source of livelihood has left them financially devastated and mentally exhausted.

In a representation submitted to the District Collector, Shyambhai Gehlot and his wife Madhuben Gehlot, residents of Pandesara, alleged that their shops in Bamroli were illegally sealed and accused civic officials and influential local figures of harassment.

According to the petition, 11 shops located on their property in Bamroli were initially sealed by the municipal authorities in 2021. The couple challenged the action and fought a legal battle that reached the Gujarat High Court.

The petitioners stated that the civic body had cited fire safety concerns. After complying with the required procedures, the seals were removed in January 2026.

However, the couple alleged that the shops were sealed again on May 30, 2026, without any valid reason or prior notice, completely cutting off their source of income.

In their application, the couple said they have been living in isolation after losing nine family members in a tragic accident. They claimed that the repeated sealing of the shops and the resulting financial hardship have pushed them into severe mental distress.

The couple stated that they no longer have the strength to cope with daily struggles and alleged administrative harassment, adding that euthanasia is the only option left for them.

They have appealed to the authorities to grant permission for euthanasia on humanitarian grounds.

The application contains serious allegations against former zonal officer Sujal Prajapati and current Executive Engineer Bhairav Desai. The couple has also alleged the involvement of influential persons, including Shetansingh Rathod and local BJP leader Narpatsinh, claiming that the sealing action was carried out under their pressure.

No official response from the municipal authorities regarding the allegations was immediately available.