Rourkela: A woman, allegedly murdered by her husband on Friday night, was cremated by a team of volunteers at Sundargarh on Sunday, as none from her family came to claim the body. The accused was arrested on Saturday and sent to jail.Arti Hembrum (35), daughter of Bhagirathi Majhi from Damkuda village, had a love marriage with Rajesh Hembum (39) years ago, which both families had opposed. Arti and Rajesh lived separately and had two children, a 12-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.Talsara police brought Arti’s body to Sundargarh district headquarters hospital for post-mortem on Saturday. However, doctors required the presence and consent of an adult family member. Both Arti’s and Rajesh’s families refused to come forward. The body had to be kept in the mortuary. Finally, on Sunday morning, one of Arti’s uncles agreed to come to the hospital on condition of anonymity and sign the documents, allowing the post-mortem to be conducted.After the post-mortem, Sadar sub-divisional police officer N Mohapatra and Talsara police sought help of ‘Smasana Bandhu’, a team of volunteers of Sundargarh, to cremate Arti’s body at Sundargarh Swargadwar ground. Akash, 12, performed his mother’s final rites. A truckers’ association provided materials for the last rites. Arti’s brother will reportedly take in the two children temporarily.“After the school reopens, we will discuss with the concerned block development officer and try to enrol them in an ashram,” said N Mohapatra, SDPO, Sadar, Sundargarh.
