Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh): Villagers in Meriyakhedi under Manasa tehsil are forced to perform last rites at the carcass disposal site due to lack of proper cremation facilities.
The situation has become worse after recent rains, with families carrying bodies through muddy paths and performing last rites at a place where there is no shelter.
The village has no designated cremation ground despite years of requests to local officials. The land originally meant for cremation facility has been taken over by a local politician, forcing residents to use private land for funerals.
Recently, when a woman died in the village, her family had to walk through mud to reach the makeshift cremation site. Villagers Gopal Dhangar, Dev Singh Charan and Ramprasad Dhangar explained that they use land belonging to Moti Singh Sardar Singh Charan, which is located at the place where dead animals are thrown.
The problem exists because Hansraj Dhangar, a local BJP leader and vice president of Mukherjee Mandal, has occupied government land meant for the cremation ground.
Village officials confirmed that a tin shed was approved for construction, but could not be built due to a land dispute. Village assistant secretary Rajendra Prasad said the panchayat approved building a shelter, but encroachment prevented construction.
Sarpanch representative Rakesh Bamnia confirmed that BJP leader has taken over the designated cremation land. However, Hansraj Dhangar denies occupying any land and says villagers are lying. He has asked for an investigation into the matter.
What do officials say?
SDM Pawan Baria told media that complaints have been received about land encroachment. He has instructed the secretary to arrange alternative space for last rites and ordered the tehsildar to investigate and remove illegal occupation from the allotted land.
