Palghar, Maharashtra: A bizarre and theatrical protest unfolded at the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s Ward Committee I office on Thursday afternoon, when a group of men dressed as ghosts suddenly entered the premises, startling staff and halting routine proceedings.
The incident turned out to be a symbolic protest by activists of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), who were expressing their outrage over what they called the municipal body’s act of installing playground equipment inside a Hindu crematorium in the Benapatti area of Vasai (West).
Crematorium Turns Into a Playground?
The crematorium in question, located in Benapatti, falls under Ward Committee I of Vasai village. Local residents have long complained about its poor upkeep and neglected condition.
However, instead of repairing or restoring the facility, the municipal corporation allegedly installed over 15 pieces of playground and recreational equipment within the crematorium grounds. These reportedly include swings, slides, and seesaws, sparking widespread public outrage and political backlash across party lines.
Protest With a Message: “We Can Play After Death, At Least”
Taking a satirical approach, 5–6 BVA workers dressed as ghosts barged into the ward office. In a sarcastic statement during their demonstration, the “ghosts” quipped, “We couldn’t play when we were alive. Thanks to the municipality, we now have a playground after death!”
The protest disrupted work and caught officials off guard, especially Assistant Commissioner Alka Khaire, who was visibly flustered by the sudden appearance of the protestors in costume.
A Satirical Protest to Wake Up the Corporation
BVA leader Pritesh Patil clarified that the ghost-themed protest was a deliberate act of satire, intended to highlight the insensitive and absurd actions of the civic body. Former Mayor Pravin Shetty also condemned the move stating, “We hope the corporation has learned its lesson and refrains from such tone-deaf decisions in the future.”
Widespread Criticism, Embarrassment for Officials
The unusual protest has now gone viral across social media and news platforms, bringing sharp focus on the misuse of public spaces, especially sacred grounds like crematoriums. With political parties and citizens rallying against the decision, the corporation is under pressure to remove the equipment and take corrective action.
“You don’t build a playground where people come to grieve and say goodbye.”
