It was a close shave for a group of people after a cable, which they were using to cross a swollen river, snapped while they were trying to take a body for cremation at Bagdi village in Odisha's Kandhamal district.
As per reports, the people were taking the body of an elderly woman to conduct the last rites after her death on Saturday. Sources said as there is no bridge over Kalipenu river, the locals were depended on the cable to cross the river and it was for the past several decades that the cable had been their lifeline.
With no permanent bridge, the relatives of one Padmabati Pradhan decided to take her body to the cremation ground on the other side of the river using the existing cable.
After placing Padmabati’s body in a coffin, the relatives were crossing the swollen river when the cable snapped. Fortunately, nobody got washed away in the strong current of the river. However, other locals had their hearts in mouth after watching the relatives trying to swim to the shore.
Not only Bagdi, but the locals of Badli, Dakli, Srakapanga, Madiraha, Minamalu and Bandipadar areas also risk their lives to cross the river in a precarious manner owing to the absence of a bridge. The locals alleged that despite repeatedly raising the issue, the administrative officials have not taken any step for the construction of a bridge over the river.
“Everything including Anganwadi centre, college and other establishments are located on the other side. My mother-in-law died yesterday and my relatives were taking her body when the cable snapped. Those who were taking the body for cremation got swept away. As they knew swimming, they managed to reach the shore safely,” said Rekha, a relative.
Rekha further said that the residents are facing problems due to the absence of a bridge. “The Collector is not taking any step even if we have brought the matter to his notice several times in the past,” Rekha alleged.
Meanwhile, the district administration officials could not be contacted over the allegations.