Baripada: In a display of compassion and social responsibility, Baisinga Police in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district performed the last rites of a destitute elderly man after no family member or relative came forward to claim the body.

Pitambar Singh and his wife, Yashoda Singh, originally from the Haldipada area of Balasore district, had been living in extreme hardship for the past seven years. Due to old age and illness, the couple was unable to earn a livelihood and survived by begging in and around Purunapani village under Baisinga police limits. They spent their days seeking alms and often slept under trees or on the verandas of government buildings.

Two days ago, Pitambar's health deteriorated suddenly, following which he was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital here. However, he passed away on Tuesday while undergoing treatment.

The body was brought back to Purunapani village in the evening. However, a section of villagers objected to conducting his cremation at the village cremation ground.

Furthermore, none of Pitambar's family members or relatives came forward to take responsibility for his funeral.

Later, police personnel of the Baisinga Police Station completed all legal procedures and made arrangements for Pitambar's cremation with full dignity at the Purunapani cremation ground.

The gesture went beyond the routine duties of law enforcement personnel and reflected a deep sense of humanity and social commitment.

The humanitarian act of the Baisinga Police has drawn widespread appreciation from locals, who hailed it as an example of compassion and public service.