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Sahibganj, Jharkhand, July 24, 2025 — In a distressing instance that has triggered outrage across Jharkhand, a tribal family from the remote Lodoni Pahad village in Sahibganj district was compelled to carry the body of their teenage daughter for more than 10km on foot after hospital authorities allegedly denied them an ambulance.
The deceased, Badrin Pahadin, was a member of the Pahariya Janjati, classified among the state’s most vulnerable tribal communities. She was taken to the Sadar Hospital in Sahibganj in critical condition on Monday after her family made the arduous 10km journey themselves, due to a lack of road connectivity to their village. Tragically, Badrin died during treatment at the hospital.
The ordeal worsened for the bereaved family when, after her death, hospital authorities reportedly refused to provide an ambulance to transport the body home. With no other means available and still facing the same impassable terrain, the family placed her body again on a cot and retraced the 10km path on foot back to their village.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The incident, which came to light after a video surfaced on social media, has sparked condemnation statewide. Jharkhand BJP President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi criticized the government and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, alleging mismanagement of ambulance services and asserting that the health system’s failures have resulted in repeated human tragedies.
“This is not just negligence, it’s a grave injustice to the people of the state,” Marandi stated. He further accused the minister of allowing close associates, including his minor son, to interfere with hospital operations. Marandi called for urgent intervention from Chief Minister Hemant Soren and demanded a thorough review of the Health Department and ambulance services.
He further highlighted that similar instances—of patients and bodies being transported on makeshift stretchers, bicycles, and carts—had repeatedly exposed systemic failures, urging the government to act beyond “rhetoric” to assure basic medical services for all residents.
Healthcare Access Remains Critical Challenge
The tragic journey endured by Badrin’s family underscores the chronic lack of medical infrastructure and transportation, particularly in Jharkhand’s tribal and remote areas. Repeated calls have been made by advocates and political leaders to recognize healthcare as a fundamental right and ensure no family is left stranded in times of crisis.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right. Denying people such a basic service is inhumane,” Marandi asserted, echoing sentiments shared widely across the state.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by tennews.in and reflects events as described by witnesses and political representatives. Further investigation by relevant authorities may provide additional details or context to this incident.
