Mumbai: Couples tribe who can not afford the cost of three private ambulance had to transport the body of their son six years above their bikes for about 40 km to reach their home in Mokhada from Palghar district on Tuesday morning.
Ajay Pardhi, hospitalized Cottage State in Jawhar on January 24 for acute pneumonia.
He was declared dead around 9pm.
When the hospital does not have a hearse to carry the body, three private ambulance approached.
Father Yuvraj, farm workers, can not afford the cost of the ambulance and decided to take the body to their village in Sadakwadi on his bike.
The body was wrapped in a blanket and placed in the lap of the mother who was riding pillion.
Video of the incident went viral after which the driver of the three private ambulance suspended.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Ramdas Marad hospital admit that they do not have a car van.
He said that while the government ambulances are not allowed to transport the body, private ambulance demanding exorbitant rate.
Dr Marad said that he personally tried to arrange transportation to bring the body and urging the Father to wait until morning.
Father, however, insisted on taking the body on a bicycle when he was afraid an autopsy would be done if it is kept in the hospital until the next morning.
Dr Marad said that Father told no autopsy is needed because it is a death caused by pneumonia.
Last rites performed in the village on Wednesday morning.
Vivek Pandit, President Shramjeevi Sanghatana, a tribal welfare organization, said such incidents are common in the tribal areas where poor health facilities.
Palghar: Parents tribes transport children on a bicycle
