Minor Girl’s Body Left On Road After Post-Mortem in MP, Family Alleges No Support
Family forced to carry minor’s body after post-mortem, exposing severe administrative lapses in Madhya Pradesh.
The death of a 15-year-old tribal girl in Bahadurpur town of Mungawali block has triggered widespread outrage, not only due to the circumstances surrounding her death but also because of the treatment of her body afterward. The incident has raised serious questions about systemic failures in ensuring dignity for the deceased, particularly among vulnerable communities. Reports from the ground suggest that the family was left without even the most basic support mechanisms. The case has since drawn attention from locals and observers who see it as a reflection of deeper administrative lapses.
The minor, a resident of Kheroda Chakk village, was reportedly found hanging inside her home on the previous evening under circumstances that are being described as suspicious. Her family transported her body to the primary health centre in Bahadurpur the same night, expecting procedural support and assistance. Instead, they allege they were left to spend the entire night at the facility without adequate help or supervision. According to their account, they had to remain vigilant not only in grief but also to protect the body from stray animals. The situation underscores the lack of basic infrastructure and sensitivity at the local healthcare level.
By around 10 a.m. the following day, the post-mortem examination had been completed, but the family’s ordeal only intensified afterward. They claim that no cloth, plastic covering, or proper wrapping material was provided by the hospital authorities. The body was handed back to them in the same clothes, without any assistance from hospital staff such as ward boys. Furthermore, they were allegedly denied access to a stretcher, forcing them to physically carry the body out of the premises. These allegations have raised concerns about violations of standard protocols and humane treatment.
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With no hearse or official vehicle arranged, the grieving family carried the girl’s body on their shoulders under a scorching 41-degree Celsius sun. After walking some distance, they placed the body by the roadside and began pleading with passing motorists for help. Despite offering money, no one agreed to transport them, leaving the family stranded in distress. For nearly two hours, the body remained on the roadside, exposed to extreme heat, while the family waited helplessly. The absence of any immediate administrative response during this time has intensified public anger.
Relief eventually came when local social worker Aditya Trivedi learned about the incident and reached the spot. He arranged to transport the body to the girl’s village in his private vehicle, stepping in where official systems had failed. The visuals and testimonies from the incident have since circulated widely, prompting sharp reactions from the local community. Many have questioned how such a situation could arise despite existing protocols for handling bodies after post-mortem. The incident has become a focal point for criticism of administrative apathy.
Responding to the controversy, Bahadurpur Medical Officer Dr YS Tomar stated that the responsibility for transporting bodies typically lies with the police after post-mortem procedures. He acknowledged that delays in arranging vehicles are common and that alternative arrangements such as tractors are sometimes used. However, his remarks have raised further concerns about coordination failures between departments. Questions have also been raised about whether mandatory procedures in cases involving minors and suspicious deaths were properly followed. The incident continues to spark debate over accountability and the need for systemic reform.