MP hospital sends woman’s corpse home in garbage-collection vehicle: ‘No budget for hearse’

A woman's corpse was reportedly sent home in a garbage-collection vehicle after her family could not arrange a hearse, revealing a lack of proper infrastructure at the Bada Malhera Civil Hospital in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. The incident took place when the body of Rukhsana Khan, missing since July 4, was found in a garbage dump on August 5.

Police suspect she was murdered and brought to the hospital for a post-mortem examination. Upon completion of the procedure, her husband, Babalesh Ahirwar, was informed that a municipal tractor-trolley would be used to transport the body back to their home. Ahirwar expressed his distress, stating that every person deserves dignity, regardless of the circumstances of their death.

The hospital administration admitted to not having a dedicated hearse, claiming they rely on the Nagar Parishad due to a lack of budget approval. Dr Hemant Maraiya, the Block Medical Officer, confirmed the repeated requests for a hearse van at district-level meetings but highlighted that it has yet to be sanctioned. The Chhatarpur administration has ordered an investigation into the matter, with officials promising action once the facts are established.