Flight operator refuses to carry victim’s bodies over odour:Jabalpur officials intervene, flight departs after delay

In a disturbing development following the Bargi cruise tragedy in Jabalpur, a flight operator refused to transport two victims’ bodies, citing foul odour due to decomposition. The incident occurred at Dumna Airport, where authorities had to step in and persuade the operator before the bodies were finally flown out after a delay. Administrative intervention after operator’s refusal The victims—Kamraj R, an Ordnance Factory employee, and his 5-year-old son Sritamil—were among those who lost their lives in the accident. According to officials, the operator objected to carrying the bodies, stating they were decomposing and emitting a strong smell. After being informed, District Collector Raghvendra Singh directed local officials to the airport. SDM Monika Waghmare and other staff reached the spot, arranged deodorizing spray, and ensured the bodies were re-sealed properly in coffins. The flight eventually departed for Tiruchirappalli around 9 am, nearly an hour behind schedule. Earlier delay due to weather conditions The bodies were initially scheduled to be transported on Sunday evening. However, the flight could not take off due to adverse weather conditions in Tiruchirappalli, forcing the ambulance carrying the bodies to return to the hospital mortuary. Negligence alleged in cruise disaster The tragedy took place on April 30, when a Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department cruise capsized in Bargi Dam, killing 13 tourists. Preliminary investigations suggest that weather warnings were ignored, leading to the disaster. Casualties and Rescue details Out of the 13 deceased, 4 were children and 8 were women. Rescue teams managed to save 28 people. Bodies were recovered over several days—four on April 30, five on May 1, two on May 2, and two on May 3. Timeline of recovery of victims Sritamil’s body was recovered on May 2, while Kamaraj’s body was found on the morning of May 3. Their remains were later prepared for transport from Khamaria Hospital to the airport before complications arose.