A shocking case of alleged negligence at a Kolkata crematorium has left a grieving family in further distress, after they were reportedly denied the ashes of their deceased mother due to a mix-up by civic staff.
Family's Grief Compounded by Crematorium Error
Radha Kanta Biswas, a 49-year-old trader from Dum Dum, has filed a formal police complaint against staff at the Nimtala Ghat crematorium, operated by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The incident pertains to the cremation of his 79-year-old mother, Putul Rani Biswas, who passed away on January 8 after spending 21 days in the ICU.
Biswas claims that the KMC staff at the cremation ground "mixed up" the cremation furnace in which his mother's last rites were performed. This alleged error led to the ultimate failure: the family did not receive the ashes of Putul Rani Biswas. For the bereaved sons and daughters, this was not just an administrative lapse but a profound emotional injury.
Formal Complaint and Police Action
Describing the incident as "not just negligence but one that visibly hurt his sentiments and emotions," Radha Kanta Biswas approached the North Port police station. An FIR has been registered based on his complaint.
In his plea to the authorities, Biswas has called for a proper probe into the matter. He has also urgently requested the police to ensure that the CCTV footage from the crematorium is preserved and not tampered with, as it could be crucial evidence in the investigation.
The police have taken cognizance of the serious allegations. A case has been registered under Sections 301 and 54 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with acts done with intent to cause miscarriage or harm and with negligent conduct respectively.
Broader Implications and Call for Accountability
This incident raises serious questions about the protocols and sensitivity required in handling last rites at public facilities. For families, the rituals following death, including the collection of ashes, hold immense religious and emotional significance. A failure in this process exacerbates grief and can cause lasting trauma.
The case at Nimtala Ghat highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in the management of crematoriums. It underscores how procedural lapses can translate into deep personal suffering. The outcome of the police investigation will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for how such sensitive matters of public service failure are addressed.
