Odisha’s flood‑hit districts are witnessing not just displacement and hunger, but also shocking incidents where families have struggled to perform the last rites of their loved ones.
In Jajpur’s Chintasahi village under Bari panchayat, the body of 60‑year‑old Hrushikesh Mallik remained on the rooftop of his submerged house for nearly 18 hours. Rising waters from the Brahmani and Kharasrota rivers prevented the family from bringing the body down, while alleged lack of administrative support delayed the funeral. Villagers eventually carried the body through waist‑deep water before reaching a road for cremation.
Meanwhile, in Kendrapada’s Birabhajpur village under Rajnagar Talachua police limits, another disturbing incident unfolded. The body of Sabita Sashamal, who died on Tuesday, remained at home for three days as disputes between her family and villagers blocked funeral arrangements. Despite police registering an unnatural death case and handing over the body to her daughter‑in‑law, local feuds prevented cremation. The daughter‑in‑law was left guarding the corpse in helplessness.
Both incidents have triggered anger and questions of humanity. In Jajpur, residents alleged they were stranded on rooftops for five days without cooked food or transport. In Kendrapada, villagers’ refusal to allow funeral rites highlighted how social disputes can deny dignity in death.
Officials claimed food supplies had been dispatched in Jajpur, while Kendrapada police confirmed intervention. Additional District Magistrate Shibananda Swain assured the Jajpur case would be reviewed, while demands have risen for stronger administrative action to resolve Kendrapada’s dispute.
