Old man found burnt in hut; family says he was cremated

An 80-year-old leprosy-afflicted man, residing in a secluded hut in Bhainsamuhan village in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district, was burnt along with his hutment, police said today.
Thandaram Chauhan was found dead in his kachcha hut by his son Santosh on February 9, who cremated him at the same place, a senior police official said.
As per preliminary investigation, Chauhan was suffering from leprosy for the past 35 years, he said.
A case has been registered in this connection, he said.
Further probe is on to investigate whether the man was ostracised by the villagers owing to his ailment and forced to reside outside the village, he said.

Recently, his body had developed grievous wounds, which were getting worse and emitting foul smell, following which his family members had last week shifted him to the hutment outside the village, the official said.

He said the old man's son was regularly visiting him to serve him food and water.
"The incident came to light yesterday, following which the deceased's family members were questioned. They said Chauhan's last rites were performed at the hutment, and funeral procession was not carried out," he said.
The ashes left behind were recovered from the spot, he said.