Batla House grave costs ‘stump’ bereaved, but not in Shaheen Bagh
It was on Jan 23 this year when a video had surfaced in which Okhla MLA and Delhi Waqf Board chairman Amanatullah Khan was seen addressing a crowd over alleged Rs 6,000 being charged from the deceased relatives for burial in Batla House graveyard.
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Then the MLA had announced that not more than Rs 3,000 should be charged by sons of Allah Hu who are looking after the graveyard after the father’s death years ago due to heart attack.
However, many residents told the OT that the Batla House graveyard continues to charge something around Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500 whereas the burial charge in Shaheen Bagh graveyard is Rs 2,700 only.
The OT called Shaheen Bagh graveyard digger to get the price confirmed and the person said burial cost is Rs 2,700 with material and digging graveyard sans kafan.
Farman told the OT over phone that he paid Rs 4,000 for the burial of his uncle who died a few days ago.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said his friend was asked Rs 4,500 for burial in Batla House graveyard. For the poor family it is too much, he said, adding that something should be done and there shouldn’t be difference in burial price between Shaheen Bagh graveyard and Batla House.
When pointed out is not the price fixed at Rs 3,000, Farman said it all depends on the mood of the graveyarddigger as bodies are coming, he throws tantrums and asks for many things so to avoid problem people pay what is demanded.
Another graveyard just opposite the old one and closed for years is now to be opened after the MLA in a photo posted on his timeline a few days ago showed how preparation works are on to get it functional.
However, the deadline for its getting operational is not known.
