Woman’s ashes stolen from cremation ground at Panjkosi, kin await action

The ashes of a deceased woman were allegedly stolen from the cremation ground in Panjkosi village, located 17 km from here. The woman’s son, Pradeep Kumar, has reported the incident to the Khuian Sarwar police station; however, he said no action has been taken so far.

Pradeep’s mother, Kamala Devi, passed away on October 24 and her last rites were performed the following day. The family planned to collect her ashes on Sunday, October 27. However, on Saturday morning, Pradeep was informed by Sharda Devi, a villager, that his mother’s ashes had been found outside her house.

Pradeep said private enquiries revealed a man named Vinod Suthar had taken the ashes to Sant Nagar in Abohar, following the instructions of a woman named Gulab Devi, who claimed to be a tantrik. She allegedly wanted to use the ashes for a ritual for Suthar’s son.

The incident sparked outrage in the village. The sarpanch Sajjan Poonia, former sarpanch Mahendra Kherwa and activist Shravan Jakhar condemned the act and called for an independent investigation to identify and punish those responsible. Other residents of the village have also joined the protest.

Senior Superintendent of Police Varinder Singh Brar stated the complainant’s statement was being recorded and action would be taken soon.