Four days of neglect: Woman cremated only after son returns from abroad

Balasore: In a poignant incident in Aradabazaar under Sahadevkhunta police limits in Balasore, a woman’s body was preserved in a freezer for four days as villagers waited for her son to return from Canada to perform the final rites. Chhabirani De, who had been living alone for the past 15 years, died of cardiac arrest Monday.

Her estranged husband, Srushtidhar De, arrived at the house Wednesday accompanied by another woman. Upon seeing his wife’s body, he allegedly attempted to flee the scene, leading to chaos in the neighbourhood. Locals intervened and detained Srushtidhar and the woman, insisting that the last rites be conducted in the presence of the husband. When Srushtidhar refused, villagers refused to let him leave and informed police. Officers from Sahadevkhunta police station reached the spot and pacified both sides. Chhabirani, originally from Parulia village under Baliapal police limits, married Srushtidhar of Rajuadi village under Basta police limits in 1977. Their only son, Sanjeev, lives in Canada with his wife and son.

The couple’s daughter had died several years ago, after which Chhabirani reportedly suffered from depression. Srushtidhar, who was employed in a bank, allegedly distanced himself from his wife instead of ensuring her treatment. With her husband living elsewhere, her daughter deceased, and her son abroad, Chhabirani spent her remaining years alone at her residence. Following her death, villagers rented a freezer to preserve the body until Sanjeev’s arrival from Canada. Sanjeev, along with his wife and son, reached Balasore Thursday. Finally, the funeral was held at Muktidwar in Nunia Jodi amid a sorrowful atmosphere in the presence of the deceased’s estranged husband, son and his wife and kids.

 

 

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