Bahraini PM offers financial help to Odisha family

Dubai, Aug 29: Moved by reports of a man carrying his wife's body on his shoulder for burial in Odisha, the Bahrain government has reportedly offered to extend financial help to the grieving family.

The Indian embassy in Bahrain is, however, yet to receive an official confirmation from the office of Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa about the amount.

"The (Bahraini) prime minister responded to media reports on the episode and has made an offer for humanitarian assistance. He has decided to make a contribution but we have not yet received any official confirmation regarding the amount of money or when it will be made," sources in the Indian embassy in Bahrain said.

They said that should such a contribution be made, it will be channeled through the Bahraini embassy in Delhi.

A report in 'Gulf Daily News' earlier said that the premier was upset by the news and he felt "he had to do something to help".

The report did not mention the sum the Bahraini premier plans to contribute. On August 24 in Odisha's backward Kalahandi district, Dana Manjhi was forced to carry his wife's body on his shoulder for 10 kilometres due to alleged lack of an ambulance.

Majhi's 42-year-old wife died of tuberculosis a day before at the district hospital at Bhawanipatna.

PTI