Funerals become a lucrative business in Patna

A comparison showed a stunning difference in the prices of funeral items at the markets and those set by the undertakers, making it nearly impossible to conduct traditional funerals.

Patna:Families are struggling to cremate their loved ones who died of Covid-19 as undertakers and middlemen in Patna overcharge for their services.

ETV Bharat exposed the truth behind how funerals of Covid-19 patients have become a flourishing business in India as the nation battles a devastating second outbreak of disease.

At Bansi Ghat in Patna, brokers sell 'funeral packages' based on requirements - such as a ladder, ramnama, pitambari, humad, makhana, til, curd and flowers. The cost of a ladder at Bhansi Ghat market is Rs 450, while the same ladder at Patna Medical College and Hospital will cost Rs 1050 and at Kankarbagh market is Rs 7000.

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When ETV correspondent Neeraj approached agents at the PMCH gate for a ladder, they said it would cost Rs 1050 and further inquiries revealed that excluding flowers, rope and mat, all items needed to carry out the last rites would cost around Rs 7000 apart from firewood that needs to be bought separately.

A comparison showed a stunning difference in the prices at the markets and those set by the undertakers, making it nearly impossible to conduct traditional funerals.