Woman’s last rites delayed by 31 hours over land dispute:Strongmen block passage to crematorium, citing ownership; cops intervene next day in Chhindwara village

A land dispute in Satnur village of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district delayed a woman’s cremation by 31 hours, after influential locals blocked the only access road to the cremation ground. Despite police presence, the funeral could take place only the next day through an alternative route following administrative intervention. Funeral delayed due to land dispute The incident took place in Satnur village under Umreth tehsil. A dispute over the path leading to the Muktidham (cremation ground) stopped a funeral procession for 31 hours. The only access route passes through private land. Influential people blocked the path, claiming ownership. With no alternative government road, the body could not be taken for cremation. Family forced to keep body at home Indira Bai Mandekar (62), wife of Jhino Mandekar, died at around 6 am on Wednesday, December 31. Her family prepared for the last rites by noon the same day. However, the family occupying the access path refused to allow passage. As a result, the body was kept at home overnight. Appeals ignored despite police presence Relatives, the village sarpanch and the secretary reached the spot. The deceased’s son, Ramdas Mandekar, repeatedly requested them to intervene. Even after the sarpanch appealed, the accused refused to give way. Later, the Naib Tehsildar and a police team also arrived. By then, it was too late to perform the last rites before sunset. Cremation after 31 hours On Thursday afternoon, the administration arranged an alternative private route. The funeral procession was taken out under police protection. Members of Hindu organisations were also present. The body was cremated at around 1 pm, nearly 31 hours after death. Family demands permanent solution After the incident, Ramdas Mandekar and other family members demanded a permanent solution. They urged the administration to ensure uninterrupted access to the cremation ground. Villagers said such disputes have happened earlier as well. Allegations of encroachment The access road to the cremation ground passes through land owned by the Goli family. There is no government-owned alternative path. Villagers allege that goons have encroached upon nearly two acres of land meant for the cremation ground. They claim the path is often blocked to create disputes. Court case still pending The administration had earlier ordered a 12-foot-wide access road. However, the Goli family challenged the decision in the High Court. The matter has not yet been settled. Administration’s response Umreth Tehsildar Jyoti Dhok said the dispute is sub judice. She said officials acted as soon as they received information. The last rites were completed using an alternative route. The situation in the village is currently peaceful.