Video footage of Assam police dragging the bodies of a man and his daughter after a tragic accident has sparked widespread condemnation. Authorities have launched an inquiry as public anger grows over the “inhumane” treatment.
Shocking Incident Unfolds in Assam’s Darrang District.
In a shocking and distressing incident that has sparked national outrage, Assam’s Director General of Police, GP Singh, has ordered a probe into the handling of bodies by local police in Darrang district. The bodies of a man, Mathura Nath Deka, and his daughter, Nandita, were allegedly dragged by police personnel after the two lost their lives in a road accident on Wednesday evening. Disturbing footage, widely circulated on social media, shows police officers wrapping the bodies in polythene sheets and ropes before dragging them to a vehicle for transport to the hospital for post-mortem examination.
The incident, captured on video and swiftly shared across various social media platforms, has ignited widespread condemnation from both the public and officials, with critics labeling the act as “inhuman and insensitive.” Responding to the outcry, DGP GP Singh took to his official account on X (formerly Twitter) to announce the launch of an inquiry, stating, “An enquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances of the said incident.” This assurance, however, has done little to temper the growing wave of public outrage over the handling of the accident victims’ bodies.
Details of the Fatal Accident and Immediate Aftermath.
The tragic accident that led to the deaths of Mathura Nath Deka and his daughter Nandita unfolded on the national highway near Saktola, in Mangaldoi of the Darrang district. Nandita, a first-semester English student at Gauhati University, was returning home to Sipajhar with her father on a scooty as her hostel prepared to close for the Diwali vacation. According to eyewitnesses, their scooter collided with a stationary truck on the highway, causing them to fall. In a horrifying turn of events, another oncoming truck ran over the father and daughter before bystanders could intervene.
Witnesses immediately notified the police, who arrived at the scene shortly after. What followed, however, has since overshadowed the initial tragedy and drawn fierce criticism. Police personnel, rather than employing a stretcher, allegedly used polythene sheets and ropes to wrap the bodies before dragging them to a transport vehicle. Video footage showing this process went viral, inciting an outpouring of grief, anger, and calls for accountability from across the country.
A police officer involved in the recovery process later attempted to clarify the situation, stating that due to the severe condition of the bodies, the remains had to be carefully collected and secured in the polythene sheets for transport. “The bodies weren’t dragged but carefully transferred to the vehicle given the challenging circumstances,” the officer explained. Despite this statement, the video evidence continues to fuel intense criticism, with many arguing that the situation could have been handled with far more sensitivity and respect for the deceased.
Growing Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The incident has drawn swift condemnation from public figures and officials alike. Darrang MP Dilip Saikia joined in the public outcry, labeling the handling of the bodies as an affront to basic human decency. “This is inexcusable,” he stated, denouncing the alleged lack of compassion displayed by the police. Saikia further highlighted the risks posed by the national highway, which he described as a “dangerous route,” prone to frequent accidents and fatalities. Saikia reiterated his commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at expanding the two-lane highway into a four-lane road, with the goal of enhancing safety and reducing the occurrence of similar tragedies in the future.
The local community, deeply shaken by the incident, has echoed calls for both immediate accountability and meaningful changes in handling such situations. Many have voiced their dismay that such an appalling incident occurred in the first place, underscoring a need for improved protocols and training for police personnel, particularly in matters involving deceased individuals. Criticisms have also been directed at the perceived indifference of some police officers, with community leaders stressing the importance of dignity and respect in the treatment of accident victims, especially when grieving families are involved.
Despite the police department’s statement and the initiation of an inquiry, the public response has remained highly critical. Activists and residents alike have demanded stringent disciplinary action against those involved, emphasizing that such actions not only reflect poorly on the police force but also violate the principles of empathy and respect that are fundamental to law enforcement. Calls for an apology from the responsible officers and comprehensive reforms in the protocols for handling deceased individuals in accident situations have gained momentum, with many arguing that a mere inquiry may not suffice in addressing the gravity of the incident.
A Heinous Misstep: Symbol of Broader Systemic Issues In Police Force.
For many, the insensitive handling of Mathura Nath Deka and Nandita’s bodies has become emblematic of a broader issue within the system, revealing a troubling lack of humanity and care in how some officials interact with the public. This incident has raised essential questions about the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of authority and the urgent need for change within the ranks to prevent a recurrence of such distressing incidents.
The probe ordered by DGP GP Singh marks a step towards understanding the specifics of the incident, but critics argue that it also points to the need for a thorough reevaluation of police protocols in handling deceased bodies with dignity. In a country where cultural values emphasize respect for the dead, this incident has struck a particularly raw nerve, with many calling for greater oversight, accountability, and compassionate training for police personnel across the board.
As the inquiry progresses, the families and communities affected by this tragic accident continue to mourn their loss while demanding that their loved ones be granted the respect they deserve—even in death. The controversy has highlighted a harsh truth: the actions of public servants hold the power to either heal or deepen the wounds left by tragedy, underscoring the vital role of empathy in the practice of law enforcement.
In the words of one local activist, “This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call. Dignity in death is not a privilege but a right, and it’s high time our systems recognize this fundamental principle.” For Assam’s police force and the wider public, the fallout from this incident may just be the beginning of a push for change that emphasizes humanity and respect above all else.