Graves dug up to make room for new bodies at ghat in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The dead seem to have run out of space at BBMP's Harishchandra Ghat in Rajajinagar. With illegally built tombstones proliferating, workers are digging up existing graves and removing skeletal remains to bury new bodies. What's worse, the Hindu burial ground is strewn with disinterred skulls and bones.
In 2002, BBMP had issued a notification banning construction of concrete/granite slabs and headstones on graves at the ghat as they eat into the space available for bodies.But the workers are allegedly violating this rule, allowing such construction even to this day. Tombstones built as recently as 2022 are visible across the graveyard.
BBMP special commissioner (health) Trilok Chandra, under whom burial grounds operate, said skeletal remains can't be excavated. He said he will speak to his subordinates to check why this is happening and will take necessary steps to resolve the problem. On illegal construction of tombs, he said if anyone files a complaint, action will be initiated.
As new bodies continue to arrive, the diggers often excavate skeletal remains of old bodies, which is illegal. A Suresh, general secretary, Ambedkar Dalita Sangharsha Samiti, which works with gravediggers, said old bodies should not be removed from graves to accommodate new ones as per the rules.
Remains can be excavated only if a member of the same family is buried in the grave. The previous remains have to be placed back in the grave with the new mortal remains, he explained.
Skulls sold, strewn around
Suresh said this is not followed in Harishchandra Ghat, and if a skull is intact, it is sold at Rs 7,000-10,000 to people who perform black magic or is thrown around.
About four years ago when this issue came to light, a complaint was filed with BBMP and a probe ordered. The excavation stopped for a while but now it's back, he claimed, adding that concrete slabs and tombstones put atop graves are occupying much space.