In a distressing incident highlighting civic neglect and social inequality, a 91-year-old Mahadalit woman was forced to be cremated at a road intersection in Bihar's Vaishali district. The family of Chamki Devi was allegedly denied access to the designated cremation ground last week due to encroachments blocking the traditional pathway, leaving them with no alternative but to perform the last rites on the public road.
Family's Desperate Pleas Ignored
The incident occurred in the Goraul block, where local shopkeepers had obstructed the route leading to the cremation site. Despite repeated requests and heated arguments from the grieving family, they were reportedly not permitted to carry the body through the pathway. Sanjeet Manjhi, the woman's son, expressed his anguish, stating, "When we were not allowed to go to the cremation site, we held the cremation here on the road itself." This forced public cremation has sparked outrage and drawn attention to long-standing infrastructural issues in the area.
Longstanding Problem with Encroachments
Local residents revealed that this is not an isolated incident but a persistent problem. They claim that the pathway to the cremation ground has been obstructed for years due to a nearby temple and various other encroachments, causing recurring difficulties during funeral processions. The lack of accessible cremation facilities has been a source of distress for the community, particularly affecting marginalized groups like the Mahadalits.
Administrative Response and Investigation
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh, who visited the site with senior police officials, confirmed the incident after videos circulated on social media. "As per the information received and as seen in various videos, a body was cremated on the road there yesterday. The woman was 91 years old and her name was Chamki Devi," she said. During the inspection, villagers, the mukhiya, panchayat samiti members, and a district council member were present to discuss the issue.
Singh explained that villagers had historically accessed the cremation ground through private land. "Due to the construction of shops by the landowners, the pathway has been blocked, and people are no longer able to use that footpath. In this context, the family carried out the cremation on the road," she stated. The District Magistrate emphasized that discussions have been held with local stakeholders to resolve the encroachment problem.
Efforts to Find a Permanent Solution
"An attempt has been made to build consensus. If the landowners give a no-objection certificate, arrangements will be made through a government scheme so that people can easily reach the cremation ground," Singh added, noting that most locals are agreeable to this proposed solution. To address the immediate fallout and ensure accountability, a committee has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly.
This committee is headed by the Deputy Development Commissioner, with the Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and the District Welfare Officer as members. "The District Welfare Officer is providing all eligible government assistance to the affected family," the DM assured. Furthermore, explanations have been sought from local administrative and police officials regarding their role in the incident.
Promise of Strict Action
District Magistrate Varsha Singh made it clear that accountability will be enforced. "After the inquiry report is received, strict action will be taken against those found guilty," she declared. This incident underscores broader issues of urban planning, encroachment management, and social justice in Bihar, calling for urgent reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The forced road cremation of Chamki Devi has not only highlighted the plight of marginalized communities but also exposed systemic failures in local governance. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for accessible public amenities and proactive measures to address encroachments that disrupt essential services like funeral rites.
