Granny allegedly starved to death by family sparks outrage in China

HUNAN, China - Photos of an emaciated elderly woman allegedly starved to death by her family recently circulated on Chinese websites, sparking great outrage from netizens.

Daily Mail reported that the elderly woman was on the verge of death and that her children had planned to starve her to death because she was becoming a burden to them. It also said that they have since been arrested for attempted murder.

However, China News reported that a village head refuted claims that she was starved to death, and said that she was gravely-ill and had died of natural causes on June 14.

According to a report on Sina, the photos were posted online by a relative who visited the 90-year-old woman who was confined in her home. The woman was reportedly starved for more than a month and only given water to drink.

In the photos, the frail granny appeared to suffer from severe malnutrition and needed assistance with bathing and getting dressed. She also reportedly told her visitor that she was very hungry.

Many Chinese netizens expressed their anger on social media site Weibo, condemning the family's actions, and questioned why no one reported the apparent abuse after learning about it.

Local authorities are currently investigating the case.

minlee@sph.com.sg