Hooghly, 29 October (H.S.): A heart-wrenching scene unfolded at Hatishala Crematorium under Baidyabati Municipality on Wednesday, leaving the local community in shock and sorrow. As heavy rain lashed the area, nearly half a dozen bodies lay exposed under the open sky. The heartbroken family members, drenched themselves, tried desperately to shield the remains of their loved ones with umbrellas and plastic sheets. But the relentless rain turned their grief into helpless agony.

Due to the absence of a proper shed at the crematorium, bodies have to be kept in the open before cremation. On Wednesday, as the downpour intensified, cries of anguish echoed across the crematorium grounds. One by one, bodies were cremated using the electric furnace, but the wait in the rain made the pain unbearable for families who had already lost so much. Every drop that fell on the lifeless bodies seemed to pierce through the hearts of the living.

When Hari Mishra, the Serampore Organizational District BJP Secretary, arrived at the scene, he became emotional himself. He immediately arranged for tarpaulins to protect the bodies from the rain. He also questioned, What kind of government is this that talks about development but can't even provide a shelter at a crematorium? Where did the money allocated for the Hatishala crematorium go?

Hari Mishra said, This is injustice to Hindu community. When it comes to other communities, everyone from the administration to MPs and MLAs immediately spring into action. But seeing these bodies soaked here today, it seems no one is listening to the suffering of Hindus. He demanded the resignation of Baidyabati Municipality Chairman Pintu Mahato.

Meanwhile, Municipality Chairman Pintu Mahato clarified that a new crematorium is being built at Hatishala. Previously, there was a shed there, which has been removed for the new construction. Very soon, temporary pandals will be arranged to store the bodies. This problem will be resolved once the new crematorium is built.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey