MC suspends sanitary inspector for serious lapses

The Municipal Corporation suspended sanitary inspector Hitesh Sharma after an inquiry confirmed that an unclaimed body had been transported to the cremation ground in a municipal garbage-collection vehicle, in violation of established protocol.

Officials said the action was taken after the disturbing incident came to light through visuals showing the sanitation staff loading the unidentified corpse into the waste carrier, sparking outrage among residents and rights groups over the dignity of the deceased.

The preliminary investigation found that despite the availability of authorised vehicles for handling unclaimed bodies, the garbage-collection van was used without any official approval. The probe also concluded that Sharma failed to inform senior authorities and allegedly attempted to conceal the matter, rather than escalating it as required.

Following the suspension order, senior officials from the Municipal Corporation and the Health Department have been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify additional lapses and recommend corrective measures.

The episode has raised concerns over accountability within civic services, prompting calls for strict enforcement of protocol to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated.