New Delhi: A disturbing incident from Bihar’s Vaishali district has drawn attention to the everyday denial of dignity faced by the poorest Dalit communities. A 91 year old Mahadalit woman, Chamki Devi, was cremated at a road intersection after her family faced obstruction while attempting to reach the local cremation ground.
The incident took place in the Goraul block. Family members said shopkeepers had blocked the traditional pathway leading to the cremation site. The route has remained unusable for years due to encroachment linked to a nearby temple and other structures. Locals said funerals often face resistance due to this blockage.
Despite repeated appeals, people present at the site refused passage for the funeral procession. Left with no option, the family performed the last rites on the road. Videos of the cremation later circulated on social media, leading to public outrage.
Sanjeet Manjhi, son of the deceased woman, said the family carried out the cremation at the road crossing after denial of access to the burial site. Mahadalit refers to the most marginalized sections among Dalit communities, a classification introduced by the Bihar government in 2007.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh visited the area along with senior police officials after the incident. She said discussions have begun with local stakeholders to address the issue. According to her statement, authorities plan to create access through a government scheme once landowners provide a no objection certificate.
The district administration sought explanations from local officials. Authorities withheld salaries of the block development officer, circle officer, and station house officer of Goraul following official directions.
The incident raises urgent questions on caste based exclusion and access to basic dignity in rural India.
