Relatives storm crematorium after woman dies of ‘poisoning’

Hisar: High drama and tension prevailed in Fatehabad district's Ratia area after the death of a 43-year-old woman triggered a bitter dispute between her parental and in-laws' families over her last rites. The situation escalated to such an extent that angry relatives chased the ambulance carrying the body, blocked the Fatehabad-Budhlada state highway and later stormed into the cremation ground by scaling its boundary wall. The deceased, identified as Gurdeep Kaur of Babanpur Dhani village, died during treatment at a private hospital in Hisar on Wednesday morning after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance under suspicious circumstances. According to police, both the parental and in-laws' families wanted the cremation to be performed in their respective villages. Heated arguments first broke out at the Civil Hospital in Ratia. As the ambulance carrying the body started moving, relatives from both sides followed it and eventually stopped the vehicle on the Fatehabad-Budhlada state highway, leading to a traffic jam. On receiving information, ASP Divyanshi Singla and City Police Station SHO Pushpa reached the spot and tried to pacify both sides. Amid rising tension, police cleared the crowd and swiftly escorted the ambulance to Ram Bagh cremation ground in Ratia. The cremation ground gate was immediately shut to avoid further confrontation. However, several people reportedly climbed over the boundary wall and entered the cremation ground in an attempt to stop the last rites, resulting in chaotic scenes and a tense atmosphere for a considerable time. Later, some members of the deceased woman's family were allowed inside the cremation ground, where her brother and son performed the final rites. After the cremation was completed, people from both sides gradually dispersed and returned to their homes. According to information, Gurdeep Kaur allegedly consumed a poisonous substance around 4:30 pm on Monday. She was initially admitted to a hospital in Ratia, and later referred to a private hospital in Hisar due to her critical condition, where she died during treatment. The deceased originally belonged to Bera Sahib village in Punjab's Mansa district. Her brother Avtar Singh alleged that Gurdeep Kaur was under severe mental stress due to prolonged family disputes and harassment. He accused her brother-in-law Kuldeep Singh, sister-in-law Parvinder and other family members of mentally harassing her. Fatehabad police spokesperson ASI Vinod Kumar said that on the complaint of the deceased woman's brother, Avtar Singh, a case was registered against Kuldeep and his wife Parvinder Kaur on charges of abetment to suicide. MSID:: 131095081 413 |