No vehicle to carry the dead: Family forced to take body home on motorcycle in Odisha

A distressing incident has surfaced from Kantabanji Government Hospital in Odisha ’s Bolangir district, where a deceased person’s body was reportedly transported on a motorcycle after the family allegedly failed to receive an ambulance or Mahaprayan vehicle from the hospital. According to reports, the deceased’s family members approached the hospital authorities and requested a vehicle to transport the body back to their village. They reportedly sought either an ambulance or a Mahaprayan vehicle, a government-supported service meant to facilitate the transportation of deceased persons. However, the family allegedly received no assistance despite repeated requests. With no government vehicle reportedly made available and the family left with no other option, they were forced to carry the body on a motorcycle and travel back to their village. Family Allegedly Left With No Option The distressing episode has sparked concerns over the availability and functioning of medical transport services at the government hospital. The incident has also raised questions about the responsibilities of hospital authorities in ensuring dignified transportation of deceased persons, particularly for families who may not have the financial means to arrange private transport. Local residents and activists have reportedly expressed strong resentment over the incident and alleged administrative negligence. They have demanded a detailed inquiry to determine why a vehicle was not provided despite the family’s requests. Also Read: Elderly woman’s body carried on bicycle due to ‘non-availability’ of Mahaprayan hearse vehicle They have also sought strict action against officials or personnel found responsible for any lapse in providing the required transport facility. Hospital Response Awaited The incident has drawn attention to the need for effective implementation of government-supported transportation services for deceased persons. When approached for a response regarding the allegations, the Kantabanji Hospital administration was reportedly unavailable for comment. An official statement explaining why an ambulance or Mahaprayan vehicle was not made available to the family is still awaited. Further details are expected to emerge as authorities look into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the alleged failure to provide transport facilities.