Process For Cremation Of 28 Unclaimed Bodies From Odisha Train Accident Begins

Bhubaneswar: The process for cremation of 28 unclaimed bodies of victims of Odisha’s triple train tragedy, currently preserved at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, began on Tuesday in the presence of CBI and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials.

According to sources, 9 bodies have been handed over by the hospital authorities to BMC health officer so far. The process is likely to continue all night and more bodies will be shifted for cremation.

The AIIMS-Bhubaneswar had received 162 bodies after the June 2 crash, considered the deadliest in the Indian Railways’ history, in which 296 people were killed and over 1,000 injured. In the first phase, 81 of them were handed over to the family members of the victims. Another 53 bodies were later given to the family members following DNA tests. Rightful claimants, however, were not found for the remaining 28 bodies. The bodies were kept in at least five deep freezer containers procured from the Paradip Port Trust.

On October 8, the BMC issued a standard operating procedure for scientifically disposing of the 28 unclaimed bodies after Khurda administration wrote to the civic body to prepare for the cremations on getting the go-ahead from the CBI.

BMC commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange had earlier informed that the cremations will be held at Bharatpur and Satya Nagar and other crematoriums in the city.

The entire process will be video-graphed.

Also Read: BMC Issues SOP For Disposal Of Unclaimed Bodies Of June 2 Odisha Train Tragedy