Dwarfism dogs this village in Madhepura district

Madhepura: A remote village in Madhepura district's Gwalpara block--Nahariya-- has baffled scientists and doctors for decades. Around 60% of its inhabitants are several heads shorter than an average human being.
The village reminds us of Jonathan Swift's popular fiction--Gulliver's Travel--in which the author talks about an island called Lilliput, where men and women of six inches lived.
About 25 families are suffering from 'achondroplasia' a form of short-limbed dwarfism for the last three generations.
According to the villagers, while new-born babies appear normal, they grow up as dwarfs. While the tallest one is about 3 feet 10 inches tall, the shortest is 2.5 feet.
Madhepura civil surgeon Jagadhar Pandey said the matter has been brought to his notice.
"A team of doctors has been formed to prepare a report on the stunted growth of the villagers," said the CS and added they all may be offsprings of a common ancestor affected by some genetic disorder.
The victim families belong to mushar community and are daily wage earners. "We are denied work in agriculture fields for being short," said Kamal Rishideo and his wife Mitra Devi. "Takdir aur garibi ke maral chiye babu (We have been hit by providence and poverty)" rued the couple.
Kamal said they approached several doctors but nothing helped them. He said people often call him and others as 'bauna'.
"We have been deprived of all facilities provided by the state and Central government so far," he said.
Madhepura DM Md Suhel has taken an initiative and decided to visit the affected village. "We will soon visit the village and try to get help out the villagers there," said the DM.