Soro: It is said that even the dead have some dignity left in them. But, plain truth is that a body is not treated with respect in this area of Balasore district. In the latest instance, a body was taken away from a hospital on a municipal trolley used for lifting the town’s garbage.
It was June 1 when a 108 ambulance took an ailing old man from Belana chhak in Tudigadia area to the Soro hospital. The old man succumbed to his illness while under treatment. The deceased’s identity was not known and no one came forward to claim the body. The unclaimed body was kept for three days in the hospital. Finally, the Soro police handed over the body to the municipality for disposal.
A civic garbage lifter loaded the body onto the trolley and pulled it through the streets in full view of the public.
While locals condemned the way the body was treated, executive officer in charge of Soro municipality Priyabrata Padhi said, “I have joined today and not received any complaint. An enquiry will be initiated and suitable action taken if anyone is found guilty.”
The incident raises a question as to how the Harischandra Yojana is working, and who are getting or taking the benefits thereof.
PNN
