Last rites 23 days after death, wife had warned of self-immolation, government made many promises

The family members have cremated the body of Sandeep Lakra, which was kept in the post-mortem room for 23 days in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. On Friday i.e. 27th September, after the mediation of State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, the family members ended the agitation. There was a warning from Sandeep's wife against committing suicide.

Sandeep was an employee of a contractor named Abhishek Pandey in the tap water scheme. The contractor's rods and cement were stolen. A report of theft was lodged at Sitapur police station. The contractor and his associates had beaten Sandeep. On June 7, Sandeep died due to beating. Sandeep's body was put in the foundation of a water tank under construction in Barkapara near Lureina Tibetan Camp, six kilometers ahead of Kamleshwarpur police station in Mainpat, and a water tank was made over it.

To confuse the police, Sandeep's mobile was switched on in Mumbai and Goa and then switched off. The matter came to light through the statement of the associate of the accused contractor. Police recovered the body, but then a standoff occurred. Sandeep Lakra's wife had threatened to commit suicide if her demands were not met.

The issue became more serious due to the warning of self-immolation. Chief Minister Sai sent Health Minister Shyambihari Jaiswal. After about three hours of discussion, the deadlock was resolved and Minister Shyambihari agreed to satisfy the family members and end the agitation. On the spot, Minister Shyambihari Jaiswal handed over a check of Rs 8.25 lakh and a letter of appointment at collector rate in the hostel to Salima Lakra, wife of deceased Sandeep.

It was announced from the stage that a total of Rs 25 lakh would be given to the wife of the deceased. Both the children of the deceased will be given free education till higher secondary. Along with this, it was also announced that a team would be formed at the state level to investigate the Sandeep murder case and a separate investigation would be conducted.