A video showing a father carrying his deceased child’s body on his shoulder outside the Kantabanji Government Hospital has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and speculation over an alleged lack of a hearse vehicle.
Hospital authorities, however, have strongly refuted the claim, stating that the video shows only part of the incident and does not reflect the full sequence of events.
According to hospital sources, the man, a migrant worker from another state residing in the Bangomunda area, had brought his critically ill son to the Kantabanji hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child was declared dead by Dr Jyotiprakash Ram.
Officials said that as per legal procedure, post‑mortem examination was required. Upon learning this, the grieving father reportedly opposed the process and attempted to leave the hospital with the body. The moment was captured on video and circulated widely online.
Hospital staff and police later intervened, explained the legal formalities, and persuaded the father to wait. After completion of documentation and post‑mortem procedures, the body was transported to Bongomunda in the hospital’s hearse vehicle.
Hearse driver Karna Rana confirmed that the vehicle was available at the hospital and that he personally delivered the body to the family’s locality.
Medical Officer Dr Rakesh Pandit clarified that the viral clip shows only a fragment of the incident. “The video circulating online omits the part where the body was later sent in the hospital’s hearse after all legal formalities. Misleading information has spread because that portion wasn’t recorded,” he said.
The incident has triggered widespread debate on social media, with intellectuals urging citizens to verify facts before sharing sensitive content and emphasising responsible digital conduct.
