Boudh: The family of a 10-year-old tribal girl who died from chickenpox 10 days back has refused to perform her last rites, believing that the girl will come back to life if they conduct prayers.
The incident was reported from Sanabankapada village under Harabhanga block in Boudh district.
Sravani Kanhar (10), daughter of Gopabandhu Kanhar, reportedly died from chickenpox. Family members rushed her to a Boudh hospital. Doctors said her haemoglobin levels were alarmingly low and advised her family to shift her to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The girl was shifted but could not be saved by doctors.
Family members returned home with the girl’s body, refusing to believe that their daughter had died. Sources said the girl’s family members believed she was still alive as her body showed no signs of decay.
Convinced the girl would come back to life, her family members put her body on the banks of the Mahanadi under a big rock and began conducting prayers after covering her body with leaves. Nearly 10 days have passed since the girl’s death, but there are no signs of decay which is fuelling the family’s hopes.
The girl’s father said he had a dream in which he was asked to conduct prayers for 10 days after which the girl would come back to life.
After learning of the incident, a medical team led by ADMO Ramachandra Rout visited the spot and once again inspected the girl’s body. Confirming she was dead, Rout said her body did not decay due to the prevailing cold wave. PNN
