UP: Cop burns unclaimed body with waste, despite getting cremation-funds
In a despicable case of police corruption, a police officer in Uttar Pradesh burned an unclaimed dead body using waste after taking money from the police department for a proper cremation. The distasteful incident took place in Baghpat, and the officer involved has been suspended by the police department after a video of the cremation went viral on social media. Here are the details.
What police usually do with unclaimed bodies
When an unidentified body is recovered, police usually keep it in the mortuary for 72 hours. During this period, efforts are made to trace the deceased's family and/or relatives. If traced, the body is handed over to them. If not, police cremate it.
The police had recovered the body on Sunday
On Sunday, the body of an elderly man was recovered from the outskirts of the Sisana village under the Baghpat Kotwali jurisdiction. After no one claimed the body, the police decided to give the elderly man a proper cremation, and as per procedure, allocated the requisite funds. Head constable Jaiveer Singh was given the responsibility for the cremation.
How much money is allotted for such cremations?
According to sources, the police department allocates Rs. 2,700 for the cremation of unclaimed bodies. Of this amount, Rs. 400 is allotted for transporting the body, while Rs. 300 is allotted for buying a shroud. The rest goes into purchasing material like logs.
The body was burnt along with tires and plastic waste
Despite receiving the requisite funds for a proper cremation, Singh decided to pocket the money instead. On Wednesday, the day of the cremation, Singh took the elderly man's body and burnt it with tires and other plastic waste using kerosene. When the police learnt of Singh's actions, an inquiry was initiated under ASP Rajesh Srivastava and Singh was promptly suspended.
