Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sillod – In a poignant and unprecedented act of protest, the last rites of a 75-year-old resident, Laxman Raibhan Gavane, were held directly in front of the Golegaon Gram Panchayat office on Wednesday afternoon. This demonstration was spurred by the ongoing issue of inadequate road access leading to the village crematorium, which has become increasingly muddy and impassable due to recent rains. Relatives of the deceased, along with numerous villagers, gathered at the Panchayat to express their frustration over the poor infrastructure impacting their community.
Despite having received governmental approval for road construction to improve access to the crematorium, no work has been completed, leaving villagers struggling to navigate the muddy paths during a time of mourning. Assistant Police Inspector Amol Dhakne of the Ajintha Police Station confirmed the incident but noted that no formal complaint had been lodged regarding the protest. The funeral ceremony attracted hundreds of locals, who came to pay their respects to Gavane while simultaneously highlighting the community's urgent need for better road access.
The situation has sparked discussions among residents regarding the lack of infrastructure in several villages within the constituency represented by MLA Abdul Sattar, the Guardian Minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District and the State Minister of Finance and Minorities. Many villagers echoed concerns that, despite the approval of road construction projects, essential works have yet to commence, leaving them to confront significant barriers in times of need.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved elder, they remain united in their demand for improved infrastructure to ensure that future generations do not face similar challenges. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for accountability and action from local government to address the fundamental needs of the residents of Golegaon and surrounding areas.