Elderly Man Found Tied in Locked Car at Taj Mahal Parking Lot

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In a disturbing incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, an 80-year-old man was discovered tied to the front seat and left alone in a locked car near the western gate of the Taj Mahal on Thursday, July 17, 2025. His family, reportedly from Maharashtra, had gone sightseeing at the iconic monument, leaving the frail octogenarian in the vehicle under the afternoon heat and humidity.

The man, identified as Hariom Tandale, was found by vigilant parking lot staff. Upon noticing his critical condition inside the sealed car, they promptly broke a window to rescue him. Inspector Kunwar Singh of the tourism police stated, “A staff member on duty at the parking lot came running towards us and said an elderly person, who seemed to be in an unconscious state, was left alone inside a car. The vehicle had a Maharashtra number plate. Six people, who were in it, had left to see the Taj.”

Police and ambulance services were immediately alerted. A medical team arrived swiftly, conducted a health check, and advised urgent medical attention at a hospital. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with the elderly man gasping for fresh air and appearing severely dehydrated. He was reportedly tied with a cloth, and his hands and legs were bound.

The incident quickly drew a crowd of curious passersby and tourists, some of whom began filming, with videos subsequently circulating on social media. The commotion eventually alerted the family, who returned to the parking lot. One family member identified the elderly man as their father and, without further explanation or expressing remorse, placed him back into the vehicle and drove away.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sonam Kumar confirmed that Hariom Tandale, father of Mumbai resident Siddheshwar Tandale, was extracted from the car after the window was broken. While an ambulance was initially called, Kumar noted that the elderly man’s condition reportedly improved after being removed from the suffocating confines of the vehicle.

As of Friday, July 18, police reported that no formal complaint had been lodged regarding the matter. However, the incident has ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about elder care and accountability. While specific laws vary, abandoning a senior citizen with the intent of neglect in India can lead to legal consequences under acts like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

The apparent disregard for an elderly family member’s well-being at a site symbolizing eternal love has shocked many, prompting calls for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this alarming act of neglect.