Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sillod – In a poignant display of frustration and grief, the relatives of a deceased villager and local residents conducted a funeral in front of the Golegaon Gram Panchayat office on Wednesday afternoon. The protest was sparked by the inadequate infrastructure leading to the crematorium, which has become increasingly difficult to navigate due to muddy conditions exacerbated by recent rains. Laxman Raibhan Gavane, a 75-year-old resident of Golegaon, passed away on Wednesday morning.
As preparations for the last rites began, it became evident that the path to the cemetery was in such poor condition that family members and villagers were left questioning how they could honor the deceased properly. Reports indicated that the road to the crematorium, which is documented in land records, has been approved for construction twice but remains unaddressed.
In a strong show of solidarity, hundreds of villagers gathered at the Gram Panchayat as the deceased's body was brought forth, leading to an impromptu funeral service right outside the local government office. This dramatic action has sparked discussions about the lack of reliable access to burial sites across numerous villages within the constituency of MLA Abdul Sattar, who currently serves as the Guardian Minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District.
Assistant Police Inspector Amol Dhakne of the Ajintha Police Station confirmed the incident but noted that no formal complaint had been filed regarding the protest. The community's concerns reflect a growing frustration over neglect of essential infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the villagers mourned their loss, their message was clear: the time for change is now, and the community demands better access to vital services and infrastructure.