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Bihar: A disturbing incident in Bihar’s Vaishali district has brought renewed attention to long-standing issues of land encroachment and administrative inaction. A 91-year-old Mahadalit woman was cremated on a public road after her family was prevented from reaching the village cremation ground due to an obstructed access path. The incident occurred late Thursday evening and has since prompted an official inquiry by the district administration.

Incident at a Busy Village Intersection

The incident took place at Sondho Andhari Gachhi Chowk, located within the jurisdiction of Goroul police station. The deceased, identified as Jhapi Devi, was a resident of Sondho Vasudev village. According to family members, preparations for her final rites were underway when they encountered an unexpected and insurmountable obstacle on the way to the crematorium.

As the funeral procession moved forward, relatives found that the route leading to the cremation ground was blocked. With no alternative passage available, the procession came to a halt at the road intersection.

Encroachment Allegations by Local Residents

Family members and villagers alleged that the access road had been gradually encroached upon by local shopkeepers over an extended period. These structures, they said, had narrowed the pathway to the point where it was no longer passable for funeral processions.

When the family attempted to proceed despite the obstruction, they were reportedly stopped by those occupying the land. Repeated efforts to negotiate or find another route failed, leaving the family with no option but to perform the cremation at the intersection itself.

Forced to Perform Last Rites on the Road

With night approaching and no administrative intervention in sight, the family decided to light the funeral pyre on the road. The last rites were carried out in full public view, a situation that many locals later described as distressing and avoidable.

Residents said the incident reflected not only social insensitivity but also the absence of timely governance, especially in matters involving marginalized communities.

Police Response Draws Criticism

After being informed, a police team from Goroul police station reached the location. However, witnesses claimed that officers remained present for several hours without taking decisive steps to resolve the situation or clear the path.

The lack of immediate action drew criticism from villagers, who questioned why authorities failed to intervene despite being aware of the obstruction and its consequences.

Longstanding Complaints Ignored

Local residents stated that the blocked access route was not a recent development. Complaints had allegedly been submitted to local officials multiple times in the past, warning that the encroachment was creating serious difficulties for villagers, particularly during emergencies and religious rituals.

Despite these complaints, no permanent solution was implemented, residents said, allowing the problem to persist until it culminated in Thursday’s incident.

District Administration Orders Inquiry

As news of the cremation spread, people from nearby villages gathered at the site and raised objections over the circumstances under which the last rites were conducted. The matter soon reached senior district officials.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh took cognizance of the incident and ordered a formal inquiry. A three-member committee has been formed, comprising the sub-divisional officer of Mahua, the deputy superintendent of police, and the block development officer of Goraul. The committee has been tasked with examining the events leading up to the incident and identifying those responsible.

Disciplinary Measures Initiated

In an immediate administrative response, the district magistrate directed that the salaries of the block development officer, circle officer, and station house officer of Goroul be withheld pending the outcome of the inquiry. Officials stated that further action would be taken once the committee submits its report.

Calling the incident serious, the district magistrate said the administration was committed to ensuring accountability and preventing such occurrences in the future.