Man Demands Bribe to Handover Bodies of Varanasi Flyover Victims

The accused, a sweeper, had allegedly demanded Rs 200 bribe from the families of two victims.

Several bodies were recovered from the rubble of the collapsed flyover.

(Photo: PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh on Wednesday, 16 May, said a man was arrested for allegedly charging money from families at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) mortuary for handing over bodies of those killed in the Varanasi flyover collapse.

An official in Varanasi said the employee, who worked as a sweeper at mortuary, had allegedly demanded Rs 200 bribe from the families of two victims.

The official said an FIR was lodged against him at the Lanka Police Station on District Magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra’s instructions. The Class IV employee was suspended by the DM following a complaint against him.

At least 18 people were killed on Tuesday, 15 May, after a portion of the flyover being built by the Uttar Pradesh Bridge Corporation collapsed on a busy road as it crushed a mini bus, cars and two-wheelers.

Terming the flyover collapse as "unfortunate", Singh said a report was expected within 48 hours and strict action would be taken against those found guilty as it was a case of negligence.

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