Shocking Incident in Bihar: Funeral Held on Road After Cremation Path Blocked, Vaishali Erupts in Protest

Hajipur (Vaishali):
In a deeply disturbing incident reflecting extreme social insensitivity, a Mahadalit woman’s body was cremated on a public road after villagers were prevented from taking the funeral procession to the cremation ground in Bihar’s Vaishali district.

The incident occurred in Goraul police station area, where the death of elderly woman Jhapsee Devi, a resident of Sondho village, triggered massive public outrage and chaos.

Cremation Path Allegedly Blocked

According to the victim’s family, the traditional route leading from the village to the cremation ground has been illegally encroached upon by private landowners. As a result, funeral processions from the Mahadalit settlement are repeatedly obstructed.

When Jhapsee Devi passed away, villagers carrying her body towards the cremation ground were once again stopped midway, leading to intense anger among the mourners.

Pyre Lit on Main Road Outside Temple

After repeated obstruction and failed appeals, enraged family members and local residents staged a dramatic protest by arranging a funeral pyre on the main road in front of a Shiva temple near Andhari Gachhi Chowk.

The cremation on the busy roadway caused panic and brought traffic to a complete halt for several hours, as shocked residents gathered at the scene.

Locals said a similar dispute had earlier occurred during the cremation of another woman, Chanari Devi, but no permanent administrative solution had been provided.

Public Anger Turns Explosive

The incident triggered a massive outburst of anger. Local public representatives who rushed to the spot faced intense resistance and were forced to leave amid protests and slogans.

The situation escalated until senior administrative officials and a large police force arrived.

Fire Doused, Situation Brought Under Control

To prevent further escalation, the fire brigade was called in and the pyre was extinguished. Authorities later cleared the road and restored traffic movement.

Officials said the step was taken solely to maintain law and order, while acknowledging the gravity of the social issue involved.

Administration Assures Probe and Permanent Solution

Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal later held discussions with villagers and assured a thorough investigation.

In a joint statement, the administration said:

“Encroachment on the cremation route will be examined in detail, and permanent arrangements will be made to ensure that no family faces such humiliation in the future.”

A Disturbing Reflection of Social Reality

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the continued struggles of marginalized communities for dignity even in death.

Civil society groups and local residents have demanded immediate action against those responsible for blocking the cremation route, calling the episode a grave violation of human rights and constitutional values.