Rourkela: In a case of social ostracisation, the body of an 80-year-old woman was carried on a bicycle for nearly 1.5km by her family members to a crematorium in Bargarh district’s Paikamal block on Thursday after villagers allegedly refused to help to carry the body for the last rites.The deceased, Jayanti Baccha, a widow from Kantapada village had been ostracised along with her family after her younger son married outside the caste about five years ago, sources said.Jayanti, who lived with her daughter Basanti, daughter-in-law Jagyasini and grandchildren, died at home on Thursday after prolonged illness. After the villagers’ refusal, the family tried to arrange a hearse vehicle but could not. Villagers reportedly objected to the body being kept for long.Left with no option, Basanti, Jagyasini and a grandson carried the body on a bicycle to a nearby cremation ground, where they performed the last rites. Jayanti is survived by one son and a daughter. Her elder son had died around eight months ago, while the younger son lives in Ganjam district.After the incident came to light, Paikamal BDO Prafulla Kumar Oddu provided Rs 3,000 assistance under the Harischandra scheme and 50kg rice to the family.Oddu said an inquiry would be conducted into the alleged ostracisation. “I will inquire into the matter and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible for this inhuman act,” he said.
Family members taking the body to the cremation ground in Bargarh district’s Paikamal block
