Dalit woman cremated on road after access to cremation ground blocked in Vaishali

Patna: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on the road after locals allegedly blocked access to the cremation ground at Sontho Andhari village under Goraul police station area in Vaishali district on Thursday.According to police, when the family of Jhapki Devi (95) attempted to take her body to the cremation ground, local goons obstructed the route, triggering tension. Though the police were informed, they allegedly failed to intervene or ensure safe passage, forcing the family to perform the cremation on the road.Vaishali SP Vikram Sihag said, “Earlier, there was a path to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that route. On Thursday, due to the lack of a path, the family conducted the cremation on the road. The burning wood was later extinguished by a fire brigade vehicle. A discussion was held with the circle officer.”He added that arrangements to restore access to the cremation ground will be made on Friday and that the situation is currently calm.