MP shocker: Man bathes in funeral pyre ashes, takes skull, bones home in plastic bag; faces 'mob' fury, boycott of kin

BHOPAL: A man allegedly bathed in the ashes of a funeral pyre and took the skull and bones of the deceased home in a plastic bag in Datia, triggering outrage among locals.

The incident was followed by alleged mob action in which the man was publicly humiliated and his entire family was socially boycotted by a community panchayat.


The incident is linked to the death of 72-year-old Moolchand Kushwaha, a resident of Jhir ka Bagh, who died due to illness on January 14. His last rites were performed the same evening at the local crematorium. According to police and family members, Balli Kushwaha (40), a neighbour, was present during the cremation and later returned to the crematorium around 11 pm.

It is alleged that Balli disturbed the pyre, scattered the burning wood and ashes, bathed in them and then picked up the skull and some bones of the deceased, which he carried home in a plastic bag. He allegedly spent the night in a room with the remains.

The next morning, when Moolchand's family arrived to collect the ashes for immersion, they found the pyre disturbed and the skull missing. Suspicion arose after a shawl found at the crematorium was identified as belonging to Balli.

Local councillor Kallu Kushwaha was informed, following which Balli was called from his house. Locals claimed he was still covered in ashes. On questioning, he allegedly confessed to the act. Police were called and later recovered the skull and bones from his house.

The incident sparked anger in the locality. According to Balli's nephew, Rajkumar Kushwaha, residents subjected him to inhuman treatment. He was allegedly beaten, forced to consume sewage water and filth, and paraded through the neighbourhood wearing a garland of slippers. A community panchayat was subsequently convened, which decided to socially boycott Balli and his entire family.

A resolution was passed stating that anyone who maintains contact with or speaks to Balli or his family would be fined Rs 5100. Several senior members of the community reportedly signed the resolution.

Family members said Balli had been under severe mental stress. Married about 20 years ago, he had no surviving children.

Two children from his second marriage reportedly died, and his second wife later left him. The family alleged that Balli is an alcoholic and had been influenced by superstition. According to them and the deceased's brother, Maniram Kushwaha, Balli claimed that a baba had advised him to roll in cremation ashes in the hope of having children.