In a deeply disturbing incident in Punjab's Phagwara, an unclaimed body was transported from a government-run hospital to the cremation ground using a municipal corporation vehicle that is primarily meant for collecting garbage.
The shocking episode came to light after a bystander recorded a video showing the unclaimed body being loaded into the garbage trolley right outside Phagwara Civil Hospital. A photograph of the same scene quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The deceased, whose body remained unidentified, had initially been discovered at the local railway station.
When questioned about the incident, the driver of the municipal vehicle described the use of the garbage trolley for transporting unclaimed bodies as a “routine practice”. “We are helpless because we are not receiving any facilities from the municipal officials,” the driver said.
Hospital staff confirmed that the body was first brought to the civil hospital from the railway station in the same garbage collection vehicle. Since no relatives or claimants came forward even after a considerable period, the hospital authorities once again used the garbage trolley to ferry the body to the cremation ground.
Also Read: Sudanese student stabbed to death in Phagwara, 6 booked
Phagwara Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jashanjit Singh stated that he has written to the hospital’s civil surgeon regarding the matter and has sought a detailed report. He pointed out that the hospital possesses a government ambulance and demanded an explanation as to why it was not utilised in this case.
The official acknowledged that bodies should not be transported in a garbage collection vehicle under any circumstances.
Phagwara Municipal Corporation Mayor Rampal Uppal claimed complete ignorance about the alleged practice of using garbage collection vehicles to transport dead bodies. Nevertheless, he assured strict action against those responsible for the incident and promised a thorough inquiry to fix accountability.
Also Read: Attack on Shiv Sena leader: Phagwara observes bandh
Follow us
