MP: Senior cop 'treated' father's dead body for a month
What's the story
In a disturbing incident, a senior police officer in Madhya Pradesh kept his dead father's body at his home claiming he was undergoing "ayurvedic treatment". Additional Director General of police (ADG-Selection) Rajendra Kumar Mishra's father, Kalmuni Mishra, died almost a month ago and the family was given a death certificate. But on Wednesday, Mishra said his 84-year-old father was being "treated". Here's what happened.
The case
Staff members fell sick due to foul smell of body
The matter came to light after staff members working for Mishra fell sick due to the stench emanating from the body. They claimed the family was hoping for a miracle and even called tantriks to resurrect the father. The family was under immense pressure, the staff added. However, Mishra, who stays in Bhopal, has denied the involvement of any sorcerer.
Hospital's stand
Hospital says Kalmuni Mishra died soon after being admitted
Reports claimed the octogenarian was taken to Bansal hospital on January 13 around 8 PM. He died the following day, on January 14, around 3:45 PM. Dr. Ashwini Malhotra, who treated Kalmuni Mishra, said there were various complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and lung problems. "He was kept on ventilator but died within 24 hours of being admitted," Dr. Malhotra added.
Details
We are ready to show death certificate: Hospital spokesperson
Dr. Malhotra said since the incident happened nearly a month ago, he didn't remember every minute detail. But he maintained Kalmuni died and it was specified in the death certificate. Bansal Hospital spokesperson Lokesh Jha concurred. Jha said one copy was given to Municipal corporation as well. "If the police come into the picture we will also show death certificate," Jha added.
Statement
But Mishra wasn't convinced his father died
Despite the clarity that Kalmuni "died at the hospital", his son refused to believe the news. Mishra, who is on leave, called it a private matter. "I don't know what the people at Bansal said, but when they gave up, we brought him home and he is being treated by an ayurvedic doctor," he said. Reportedly, he didn't allow anyone to see his father.
Second opinion
"Family believes senior Mishra is in samadhi"
Notably, Mishra called Dr. DK Satpathy, former head of the state forensic department, at his home days ago. Dr. Satpathy also said his father was dead. "It is a matter of faith for Mishra family members who believe that senior Mishra was in samadhi," Dr. Satpathy said. He revealed body was not decomposed when he saw it, but can't comment on present condition.
Problem
Meanwhile, police don't know what to do
This case has also troubled police who don't know what to do since no complaint has been filed. According to HT, after Kalmuni's death, a message was circulated on WhatsApp informing other officers about his last rites. But it was later withdrawn. State director general of police (DGP) V K Singh said this was an unprecedented situation and added someone would speak to Mishra.