NHRC notice to Bihar government for not providing mortuary van

Patna, June 12 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a man in Bihar's Purnia district had to carry the body of his deceased wife on a motor cycle, as the authorities at the district hospital failed to provide him a mortuary van.

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Bihar government, demanding a report in this matter within four weeks.

Susheela Devi, 50, died of illness at the Sadar hospital on June 2.

The medical staff told her husband, when he requested for a vehicle, to arrange one on his own to carry his wife's body.

The man, a poor labourer, approached an ambulance driver, who demanded Rs 2,500, which he could not afford.

Ultimately, the man had to carry his wife's body on a motor cycle with his son's help.

The NHRC has observed that this is not the first instance, which has come to its notice. The Commission has earlier too taken cognizance in some of these cases.

The Civil Surgeon had earlier on June 4 reportedly stated that no mortuary van is available at the Sadar Hospital and everyone has to arrange it on his own.

The District Magistrate has reportedly ordered a probe into the matter.

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