In Covid era, religion no bar for victims' last rites

In two heart-warming incidents, the last rites of a Hindu woman was performed as per Muslim rituals and a Christian woman was buried as per Christian customs by a Hindu volunteer.

Pune/Solapur:In two heart-warming incidents, the last rites of a Hindu woman was performed as per Muslim rituals and a Christian woman was buried as per Christian customs by a Hindu volunteer.

Chaganbai Kisan Ovhal, who died of COVID-19 in Pune, had expressed her wish to be buried as per Muslim customs if she passed away during the holy month of Ramzan.

In the second case, as no relative came forward to perform the last rites of a 59-year-old woman in Kurduwadi of Solapur district, a local youth performed her last rites as per her religious customs. The woman lived in Railway Colony in Kurduwadi. Jitendra Yuvraj Gaikwad is the name of the neighbour.

Ovhal was a chronic arthritis patient. Her condition worsened in the last few days and she knew she was counting her last days. Therefore, she had told her daughter Laxmi that she should be buried as per Muslim customs if she died during Ramzan.

The woman in Solapur district, a Christian, was tested positive for COVID-19 and was undergoing treatment at home. She, who was living alone in Railway Colony of Kurduwadi, passed away on April 19 afternoon. Since no relative turned up, a young neighbour named Jitendra Yuvraj Gaikwad wore a PPE kit and performed her last rites as per Christian customs.

Helpline for Kurduwadi

Residents of Kurduwadi have launched a Covid helpline number. Anyone in need can contact 8600698799.