Family’s pushcart journey with woman’s body triggers inquiry, draws political fire

The death of a 35-year-old tuberculosis patient and her family’s struggle to transport her body on a motorised pushcart has sparked political outrage and led to an official inquiry at Badshah Khan (BK) Civil Hospital in Faridabad.

The woman, Anuradha Devi , died on Wednesday after months of treatment. Her husband, Jhunjhun , alleged that hospital staff refused to arrange a hearse or ambulance and asked him to make his own transport arrangements. Having exhausted his savings on treatment, he said he could not afford private ambulance charges of Rs 500-700 and was forced to use a pushcart to take the body to their Sarurpur village , about 10-12 km away. The family later borrowed money for the last rites .

A video showing the man and his young son transporting the body went viral , triggering public criticism.

Hospital authorities said government ambulances are not meant for transporting bodies and that hearse services via the Red Cross are available on formal request. Red Cross Secretary Bijender Saurat said no such request was received in this case.

Civil Surgeon Dr Jayant Ahuja said a high-level committee has been formed to probe possible lapses and that action will be taken if negligence is found.

Reacting to the incident, AAP leader Anurag Dhanda accused the BJP-led Haryana government of failing the healthcare system. Calling the episode shameful , he said the sight of a child covering his mother’s body reflected official insensitivity . He claimed the family was also asked to pay Rs 5,500 for cremation and had to collect donations.

Dhanda alleged shortages of doctors, nurses, hospital beds and functional ambulances across the state and demanded immediate reforms, including filling vacant posts and strengthening emergency services. He said people deserved dignity in treatment and even after death.