Bihar: Bodies of suspected Covid victims found floating in Ganga; Buxar administration claims bodies from UP

PATNA/BUXAR: People living near Ganga ghats at Chausa in Buxar district woke up to “apocalyptic” scenes on Monday, as at least 30 bloated and decomposed bodies were found floating on the banks of the river.
Though Buxar district administration claimed that the bodies are from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, locals claimed many people from villages situated on the banks of Ganga dispose of the bodies in the river.Some also attributed it to the high cost of cremation or funeral pyres and said that the bodies were of people who succumbed to Covid-19.
A local at Mahadeva Ghat at Chausa told reporters that around 100-150 bodies were floating in the river. “The bodies are of people infected with Covid-19. From the time I am here since morning, I have seen 30-35 bodies. Some people immersed the bodies in the river, while others disposed of half- burnt bodies in the water,” the man covering his face with cloth told reporters.
Another local claimed that residents of several areas along the bank of the river are frightened of aggravation of infection. “The situation is highly deplorable. There are more than 150 infected bodies floating in the river. Consequently, people of areas including Katgharwa, Kamharia and Chausa among others are in shock and fear. People are frightened to even come for cremation at this ghat,” he said.
Irked by such a large number of dead bodies at the banks of Ganga, local people informed local administration, which claimed that most such bodies came floating down the river from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Buxar district magistrate Aman Samir said in a press statement that in an investigation with regard to 30 dead bodies in Ganga river, it was found that the bodies were three to four days old and they were not from Buxar district.
“The villagers told the investigation team comprising Buxar sub- divisional police officer (SDPO) and sub- divisional officer (SDO) that bodies are not local and have floated down from elsewhere in a day or two. It is clear that the bodies have come floating in the river from the bordering state,” the DM said, adding that instructions have been issued to intensify river patrolling.
“Instructions have also been issued to take punitive actions against anyone found disposing mortal remains in the river,” the DM said.
Buxar superintendent of police (SP) said that a post-mortem of the unidentified dead bodies will be conducted. The DM on the other hand, claimed that cremation of the unidentified bodies will be done as per the rituals with the expenses to be borne by the state government.
Meanwhile, Prem Swaroopam, executive officer of Buxar Municipal Council told a news channel that a probe has been initiated for “dumping bodies directly in the river”. “We have formed three teams to stop such people involved in such actions (of dumping dead bodies in rivers). We have also received guidelines from the government that cremation of dead bodies of Covid positive people will be done free of cost by the government.
Buxar sub- divisional magistrate (SDM) KK Upadhyay said he went to neighbouring Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh and found several bodies floating in the river there as well.
“Already 12 such bodies out of at least 30 have been cleared and buried so far. Altogether five officials are working 24x7 to clear the decomposed dead bodies. The district administration has also made available light and generator set at Mahadev Ghat,” the SDM said.