Unclaimed body in garbage vehicle: Rights panel's notice to SSP, MC Commissioner

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu notice of a shocking incident in which an unclaimed body was transported from the Civil Hospital in Phagwara to the cremation ground in a municipal garbage collection vehicle. The commission has sought a detailed report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, and the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Phagwara.

A Bench comprising the Chairperson, Justice Sant Prakash, and Member Gurbir Singh said the media reports and a viral video brought the matter to their attention. The footage showed a municipal vehicle — normally used for collecting garbage — being used to carry the body to the cremation ground. The driver in the video reportedly stated that this had been a routine practice.

Taking a serious view of the incident, the commission directed both SSP and Municipal Commissioner to submit their reports at least one week prior to the next hearing, scheduled for January 27. The commission observed that transporting a human body in such a manner constituted a grave violation of human dignity and had deeply disturbed the public.

Local residents expressed shock and indignation, questioning how the municipal authorities could allow such disregard for human values. The incident also sparked discussion over the broader issue of declining sensitivity toward the deceased, particularly unclaimed individuals.

Box = Guilty to face action

Municipal Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta stated that the matter had already been brought to the department’s notice and that action was being taken against those responsible for the negligence. She described the incident as extremely serious and assured that all accountable officials would face appropriate disciplinary measures.