From correspondents in Uttar Pradesh, India, 08:00 PM IST

A resident of the city of the Taj Mahal has been arrested and sent to jail for not giving any food to his old mother.

The arrest was ordered by Surendra Singh, Agra's chief development officer, who warned villagers at a public function here Tuesday evening: 'Those who do not look after their parents would be sent to jail for 14 days. Such actions will have a salutary effect and the social fabric being threatened would be saved from permanent damage.'

Singh told IANS: 'There is need for creative and innovative use and interpretation of law. Parents don't look after children. Men play cards while women have to slog long distances for fodder or some domestic chores.

'Social equations need to be redefined and men should share more work. At least they can look after their children.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)