No road: Body carried on cot for 8 km

Bhabanipatana: A heartbreaking incident in Kalahandi district has exposed the stark lack of rural infrastructure despite official claims of development. In the absence of an all-weather road, a dead body had to be carried on a cot for nearly 8 km to reach Khamarpadar village. The incident took place in Bhati Pasa area under Thuamul Rampur block’s Padepadar gram panchayat.

Siba Majhi left for Hyderabad as a labourer in search of a better livelihood, but in a tragic twist of fate, he returned home in a coffin. Even in death, his hardships did not end. Due to the absence of a proper road to his native village, a vehicle could not carry his body home. The 8-km stretch of the Durespadar–Dumuninala forest road has turned into a muddy, impassable track due to relentless rains, completely halting vehicular movement.

The severe road conditions forced villagers to leave the deceased person’s body on the roadside overnight. The following morning, local residents were compelled to carry the body on a cot for nearly 8 km to reach his home.

The poor road connectivity that failed to support Siba Majhi while he was alive also failed him in death, severely obstructing his final journey home. Siba, who had migrated to Hyderabad to support his family, died under mysterious circumstances.

When his body was returned to his native village, the lack of a proper road forced mourners to carry him on foot. His sudden demise has shattered his family.

As the sole provider for two households, he leaves behind a helpless mother and relatives facing an uncertain future. This incident exposes the critical state of the transport network in Kalahandi’s remote Thuamul Rampur region.