Dalit Villagers Cremate Elderly Woman on Public Road After Alleged Discrimination in Vaishali
Patna: A deeply disturbing incident has unfolded in Vaishali district, where Dalit villagers were forced to cremate the body of a 91-year-old woman on a public road after allegedly being prevented from accessing the local cremation ground. The event has sparked widespread anger and anguish in Sondho-Vashudeo village under Goraul police station, prompting immediate intervention from district authorities.
Blocked Path Leads to Roadside Cremation
According to villagers and police reports, the funeral procession for Jhapsi Devi was proceeding toward the village cremation ground on Thursday when influential villagers allegedly stopped them. The group discovered that the path leading to the cremation site was completely blocked, leaving them with no alternative route.
Enraged by this obstruction, the villagers made the heartbreaking decision to carry the body to the middle of the road and perform the cremation there, conducting full Vedic rituals despite the unconventional location. Jhapsi Devi had passed away late on Wednesday night, and this unusual cremation created significant tension and chaos throughout the area.
District Administration Launches Investigation
Police personnel arrived at the scene shortly after receiving information and managed to clear the road, but deep resentment continued to simmer among the villagers. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Vaishali district administration intervened on Friday with a team led by District Magistrate Varsha Singh and Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag.
"The DM and I visited the spot and inquired about the problem. We found concrete shops and a temple built on the path leading to the cremation ground," SP Sihag stated on Friday. He announced that a committee headed by the deputy development commissioner had been formed to thoroughly investigate the matter, with action promised once the report is submitted.
Long-Standing Encroachment Issues Revealed
A district official revealed that the administration is working toward a permanent solution to this troubling situation. "The path leading to the cremation centre is blocked with concrete buildings, and they need to be bulldozed," the official explained, adding that this encroachment had occurred approximately eight to ten years ago, indicating a long-standing problem that authorities had failed to address.
Villagers Express Despair and Helplessness
Sanjeet Manjhi, the son of the deceased woman, expressed the family's helplessness in the face of this discrimination. "When we were not allowed to proceed, the villagers suggested we perform the cremation right there on the road," he told reporters, highlighting the lack of alternatives available to the marginalized community.
Another villager, 67-year-old Mewalal Manjhi, who participated in the procession, voiced profound despair about their circumstances. "We are poor, with no house, no land, and now not even being allowed to cremate the bodies of our loved ones. What should we do?" he asked, appealing to the government to ensure proper access to the cremation ground for all community members.
Political Response and Demands for Justice
The incident has drawn strong political reactions, with the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) terming it tragic and demanding strict action against those responsible. "The incident is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the victim's family. The police administration is investigating this matter. Whoever is found guilty in this incident will be prosecuted," stated the party's chief spokesperson Rajesh Bhatt on Friday.
This distressing event underscores persistent social discrimination issues in rural Bihar and raises serious questions about access to basic rights for marginalized communities. The district administration's investigation and subsequent actions will be closely watched as villagers await justice and a permanent solution to ensure such incidents never recur.
