Family Refuses Postmortem, Jeopardizing Government Compensation
Local authorities attempt to persuade relatives as cultural beliefs delay legal procedures.
JAMSHEDPUR – Tragedy struck in Patamda, East Singhbhum district, as 17-year-old Chintamani Hansda succumbed to a snake bite on Sunday, with her family refusing postmortem procedures crucial for government compensation.
Chintamani, a student at Patamda Intercollege, was bitten while grazing cattle near her home in Bantodiha village, Lachhipur panchayat.
"The victim was unaware of the bite for two hours before symptoms appeared," stated Karampal Bhagat, OC of Patamda thana.
Despite rushed efforts to save her at MGM Medical College Hospital, doctors declared Chintamani dead upon arrival.
The family brought her body home, rejecting hospital requests for a postmortem necessary for Rs 4 lakh compensation from the Disaster Management Department.
"We’re trying to convince the family to allow the postmortem, which is essential for the compensation process," Bhagat explained.
Cultural and emotional factors are behind the family’s reluctance, despite the potential financial assistance.
Local authorities continue efforts to persuade the Hansda family to comply with legal requirements.
The incident highlights the challenges in balancing cultural sensitivities with legal and administrative procedures in rural areas.
Community leaders have been approached to help mediate between the family and authorities.
This case underscores the need for improved snake bite awareness and emergency response in rural Jharkhand.
