Mumbai: NGOs help cremate unclaimed bodies

Since May 1 till now they have performed last rites of 35 bodies

Just like the first wave of the pandemic, the second wave has also witnessed many acts of kindness, which has not only helped those in need, but has also ensured better dealing with the situation. One such group of people from two NGOs has been performing the last rites of unclaimed bodies piling up at mortuaries of government hospitals. Since May 1 till now they have cremated 35 bodies by following the rituals of their respective religious faiths.

Founded by former journalist Iqbal Mamdani, Mamdani Health and Education Trust along with the members of Just Smile Foundation performed the last rites of seven bodies at Malvani Muslim Kabrastaan (two) and Malvani Hindu Ashmashan Bhumi (5) on Saturday. Last year the same group cremated over 1,300 such bodies.

Mamdani said, "Last year we saw that more than 250 unclaimed bodies were lying in hospital mortuaries at a time, which was creating space issues. As the situation is even worse this time, we discussed the issue with our members and spoke to senior cops as well. Instructions were issued to the local police stations to allow us perform the last rites of unclaimed bodies." He further said, "Mehul Vithalani and Mehul Simaria, members of Just Smile Foundation, joined us and together we cremated seven bodies on Saturday."

Vithalani said, "This is a noble cause, and I am very happy that my NGO is collaborating with Mamdani's NGO for it. We noticed that more than 400 unclaimed bodies are lying in hospital mortuaries. They need to be cremated at the earliest so that the hospitals have space and even the environment is clean and safe."