Phulbani: Failure of the Mahaprayan scheme in Odisha once again came to fore after the dead body of a minor girl was seen carried on a stretcher by her family members at Phulbani in Kandhamal district today.
The minor girl, a resident of Benangapaju village under Khajuriapara police limits of the district, had drowned while bathing at the village pond, earlier in the day. She had been rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, Phulbani where doctors declared her brought dead.
According to sources, the family members of the girl had requested for a vehicle under the Mahaprayan scheme to carry the dead but unable to get the same, they left for their village by carrying her on a stretcher.
The incident came to light after they were stopped on their way by town police. The police further arranged for the Mahaprayan vehicle and sent the body home.
Talking to media persons, SDPO Phulbani Surendra Nath Murmu said, "They were waiting for Mahaprayan vehicle but as it was late they were leaving with the dead body on a stretcher. Inspector-In-Charge of Town Police Station reached the hospital to stop them after getting the information. In the meantime, the Mahaprayan vehicle reached the spot and the body was sent in it."
Meanwhile, Kandhamal Collector Brunda D instructed the Project Director - District Rural Development Agency (PD-DRDA) Kandhamal to initiate a probe into the incident and submit a report within two days.