This was revealed to the public in 1883 when Takekiyo NISHIGORI, a former member of the Soma Domain, started to doubt the condition of his former master and accused the persons concerned, including Naomichi SHIGA, the steward to the family (grandfather of Naoya SHIGA, a famous novelist), of inappropriate custody.
1883年、旧藩士の錦織剛清（にしごりたけきよ）が主君の病状に疑いを持ち、家族による不当監禁であるとして家令・志賀直道（志賀直哉の祖父）ら関係者を告発したことから事件が表面化した。