In a shocking indictment of social apathy, a migrant family was forced to abandon the mortal remains of their child in a vacant plot today after being denied entry to a local cremation ground. The incident has sparked a massive debate over the “Right to Dignity” for the poor in the district.
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The Incident: Sunil, a laborer originally from Khagaria, Bihar, who lives under the Old Vegetable Market overbridge, lost his 3.5-year-old son, Karn, to a prolonged illness on Wednesday. When the family took the body to the Sector 16-17 cremation ground, the management committee allegedly stopped them.
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Bureaucratic Roadblock: The staff at the cremation ground insisted that the family first produce a post-mortem report from the Civil Hospital. Overwhelmed by grief and lacking the resources or knowledge to navigate hospital procedures, the family pleaded for a simple burial (mitti dena), but their request was flatly rejected.
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The Heartbreaking Choice: Distraught and feeling helpless, the parents carried the child’s body to a vacant plot near the Sector 9-11 turn. After performing final prayers and covering the body, they left it there and returned home.
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Police Intervention: Upon receiving a tip-off from local residents who spotted the body, the Urban Estate Police reached the spot. An investigation revealed the tragic circumstances behind the abandonment.
