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A shocking case has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, where an elderly couple has been declared dead in government records, even though they are very much alive.

Mohammad Aashiq and his wife, Hasmatul Nisha, residents of Garhi Rakhmau Panchayat in Harakh block, have been denied their old age pension for nearly a year due to this error. Ironically, the couple continues to receive other welfare benefits like ration supplies, showing that the system still recognises them in some areas while erasing them in others.
Frustrated by months of inaction, the couple recently approached local government offices carrying a placard that read, “Saheb, main abhi zinda hoon (Sir, I’m still alive)." Tired and disheartened, they said they have submitted multiple complaints asking for their pension to be restored, but no one has responded. “No one informed us or came to check. They just stopped our pension and declared us dead," said Aashiq.

According to them, officials did not attempt to verify their status or contact them before cutting off the pension. Now, the couple is forced to repeatedly visit government offices, carrying identity documents and proof that they are still alive.

When asked, District Social Welfare Officer Sushma Verma said the matter is being investigated and that action will be taken.