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After grief, exorbitant rates at UP cremation grounds worsen Covid horror for families

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/20/2021 11:44:05 AM

New Delhi, Apr 19 With the Covid-19 crisis in Uttar Pradesh worsening each day, including the 30,000 cases being recorded in 24 hours, it has also led to a high number of deaths in the state. The death toll increasing in leaps and bounds, cremation grounds across UP are now witnessing harrowed families struggling to cremate their loved ones. They are being overcharged and have no option but to pay in the name of Covid crisis. In Varanasi's Harishchandra Ghat, Rajesh Singh (35), a small-time departmental store owner, was waiting for his turn for the funeral rites of his uncle, who died from Covid-19. The manager at the ghat asked for Rs 11,000 for cremation. When Singh said that the cost should not be more than Rs 5,000, the man asked him to leave with the body he has brought. The victim said that the rates are not fixed and the families are being charged any amount looking at the appearances of the kin. Another 35-year-old man, who performed the last rites of his aunt at the ghat said that he was charged Rs 21,000 the first time and Rs 25,000 when his grandmother passed away later. He could not do anything but pay the huge amounts. He said in the name of Covid crisis and extra waiting, the priests and managers in Varanasi are charging anything they wish for. He added that even after overcharging, the wooden logs, material are not sufficient. Often partially burnt logs are being stuffed into the fresh pyres. On the other hand, the procession of corpses at Kashi's at Manikarnika Ghat continued to grow longer. Cremation at the ancient ghat has also become expensive. While earlier it was Rs 3,000-4,000 per cremation, now the same has gone up to Rs 12,000- 15,000. Arun Singh of Manikarnika Ghat, a wood provider.