Chhattisgarh: Dead policemen transported in a garbage truck

Raipur, Jun 29: In a shocking revelation, the coffins of policemen, who lost their lives in the Chhattisgarh landmine blast were sent in a garbage truck to Dantewada district headquarters. The reason being unavailability of vehicle.

The four policemen died when the vehicle they were travelling in carrying seven other people hit a landmine in Dantewada, planted by Maoists.

A policeman died while he was being taken for treatment to hospital in Raipur.

Accepting that the bodies were brought in a municipality van, Ankit Garg, Superintendent, Dantewada said that ambulances from National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) were unavailable as they were sent to take the injured to Raipur and Jagdalpur.

"The bodies were carried in a truck of the municipality because no ambulance was available," said SP Ankit Garg adding that "it doesn't mean it was done to bring disgrace to the martyrs."

“We had to act with whatever resources remained," he said.

“After the (salute), arrangements were made to carry the martyrs in ambulances to their native places," said Garg.

OP Choudhary, Collector Dantewada, said that a probe into the matter has been ordered.

"The matter has come to my notice and I will inquire into it. Action will be taken if anyone is found guilty," said Choudhary.

A spokesperson for the state police headquarters said, “We had to shift the bodies from the blast site without any delay. An ambulance was not immediately available. The police took the vehicle that was available, washed it and covered it with a plastic sheet before placing the coffins carrying the bodies of the security personnel inside."

"The incident shows the highest degree of insensitivity by the BJP towards those fighting the Maoists and laying down their lives. The party has brought disgrace to their sacrifice. The government should apologise publicly for the act," said Ramesh Varlyani, Congress chief spokesperson.

OneIndia News