At a time when people are averse to join cremation of Covid victims, three close friends of Sundargarh have set an example by voluntarily joining cremation of a Covid deceased at Sundargarh. 

These three friends have also been rendering their service to the needy and helpless persons since last 20 years and have also cremated more than 500  bodies till date. Sources said, on October 2, a person of Patrapada area of Sundargarh died of Covid 19,  following which his body was sent to Ranbagicha Swargadwar for cremation.

A team of Sundargarh Municipality under the leadership of its Executive Officer had reached at Ranibagicha Swargadwar for cremation but they reportedly did not find wood for burning the bodies. "At many of the saw mill, we found the wood was wet and not suitable for cremating body," said  Sundargarh Municipality EO Ashok Mishra. "Finding no other alternative, we contacted Sidhanta Panda, Manoj Tripathy and Sisir Kumar Behera, who often volunteer their service for cremation of bodies," Mishra said. 

Sources said three youths had reached the cremation ground and helped the officials of the municipality locating wood from private sources. Significantly, although the body had reached the cremation ground at about 10 am, the cremation could start at about 4 pm after collection of wood.

According to sources, during the month January, a poor person of Sundargarh,  had died of mouth cancer in Gujarat and these three friends had come forward to bring his body to Sundargarh.