A distressing case of negligence at a private hospital in Ludhiana has left two families in anguish after a shocking mix-up of dead bodies. The family of Jasbir Kaur Sandhu from Moga has firmly refused to accept ashes handed to them, demanding conclusive DNA proof before they can perform the last rites for their relative.
A Tragic Error and a Wrongful Cremation
The incident unfolded when the hospital mistakenly handed over the body of Jasbir Kaur Sandhu to the family of Manju Diwan, a resident of Tagore Nagar. Believing they were conducting the final rites for their own kin, the Diwan family proceeded with the cremation. It was only later that the catastrophic error came to light. On Tuesday, the Diwan family finally received what was confirmed to be Manju's body, but by then, Jasbir Kaur's body had already been cremated.
Family's Firm Stand and Unanswered Questions
Confronted with this harrowing reality, the Sandhu family has taken a resolute stand. They have outright refused to accept the ashes now being offered to them by the hospital authorities. The family insists they will only accept the remains after a DNA test confirms the ashes are indeed those of Jasbir Kaur.
The family has also raised serious questions about how such a mistake could go unnoticed. They pointed out a glaring discrepancy that should have raised an alarm: there was a significant weight difference of nearly 30 kilograms between the bodies of Jasbir Kaur and Manju Diwan. Exhausted by the hospital's failure and seeking justice, the family has formally approached the Punjab Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter.
Legal Repercussions and Police Action
In response to the formal complaint, the Sarabha Nagar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the hospital's management and staff involved in the incident. The case has been lodged under sections 380, 403, and 406 of the Indian Penal Code. These sections pertain to serious charges including theft, dishonest misappropriation of property, and criminal breach of trust. A police investigation is currently underway to determine the exact chain of events and accountability for the grievous error.
This tragic episode highlights severe lapses in protocol and empathy within hospital administration, causing irreversible trauma to grieving families. The demand for a DNA test underscores a complete breakdown of trust, forcing a family to seek scientific validation for what should have been a sacred and assured process.
