Noida Family Alleges Post-Mortem House Staff Denied Shroud Over Ambulance Payment Dispute
In a distressing incident that has sparked outrage, a family in Noida claims they were refused a shroud for their son's body by staff at the Sector 94 post-mortem house after they declined to pay Rs 3,000 and insisted on using their own private ambulance. This comes barely days after a similar heart-wrenching case in Faridabad where a daily wager transported his wife's body on a pushcart.
Family Forced to Clothe Body Themselves Amid Staff Demands
The family, hailing from Roja Jalalpur, stated that they had already arranged a private ambulance to transport the body of Rachit (24), who was found dead at home on Sunday in what police probe indicates as a prima facie suicide. However, post-mortem house staff allegedly insisted they cancel their private arrangement and use an ambulance provided by the facility instead.
"I told the staff we had already arranged an ambulance, but they kept insisting that we cancel it and take theirs. When we refused, they refused to cover the body or even give us a stretcher. They gave it to us in a plastic bag and left it on the floor," said Rahul, a relative of the deceased.
With no assistance forthcoming, the family was left with little choice but to manage on their own. Rahul claimed the driver of the private ambulance eventually provided sheets, which the family used to cover the body. A video that surfaced on Tuesday showed the body lying bare on the floor as distraught family members tried to put a shroud on it, prompting swift action from authorities.
Chief Medical Officer Orders Inquiry, Vows Strict Action
Taking cognisance of the viral video, Chief Medical Officer Dr Narendra Kumar ordered an immediate inquiry into the conduct of the staff. He set up a probe under the post-mortem house incharge Dr Jaish Lal and sought a report within three days.
"We have taken note of the video circulating on social media and an inquiry has been ordered. If any staff member is found guilty of misconduct or demanding money, strict action will be taken," Dr Kumar stated emphatically.
Health department officials confirmed that statements from staff on duty, family members, and others present at the PM house during the incident will be recorded as part of the investigation. The autopsy had been conducted on Monday, following the discovery of the body on Sunday.
Family Too Shattered to File Formal Complaint
Despite the traumatic experience, the family has not filed a formal complaint. Rahul explained their predicament, highlighting their emotional and financial distress.
"We are already shattered. Rachit was a daily-wage labourer and the only earning member. We don't have the strength to pursue this further," he added, underscoring the vulnerability of low-income families in such situations.
Second Tragic Incident Within Days Highlights Systemic Issues
This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic case reported last week in Faridabad, where a daily wage labourer named Jhunjhun was forced to transport his wife Anuradha's body on a wooden pushcart for nearly 15km after failing to secure a government ambulance or afford a private one. Private ambulance operators had demanded Rs 700 for the service.
A video from that incident showed their seven-year-old son seated beside the body, repeatedly trying to cover his mother with a cloth—a poignant moment that went viral on social media and drew widespread condemnation.
These back-to-back incidents raise serious questions about the accessibility and dignity of death care services for economically disadvantaged families in the National Capital Region. They highlight potential systemic failures in government facilities and the exploitation faced by grieving families during their most vulnerable moments.
The Noida inquiry aims to address these allegations promptly, with authorities promising accountability if misconduct is proven. The community awaits the outcome, hoping for justice and reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
