Mandi: Four Funeral Pyres Lit Together at Nagalni Nala Cremation Ground—Groom Performs Final Rites

Mandi, April 26:
A joyous wedding celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a wedding procession from Tarour village to Bhatkidhar in the Seraj region met with a devastating accident on their return journey. The crash, which occurred near the Pandoh Dam, claimed five lives — including the groom Sher Singh’s elder brother, sister-in-law, their infant daughter, and a woman of Nepalese origin. The impact of the accident was so severe that the vehicle was completely mangled.

On Sunday, four funeral pyres were lit together at the Nagalni Nala cremation ground in Tarour. In an incredibly emotional moment, the groom Sher Singh himself performed the last rites for his family members, plunging the entire atmosphere into deep sorrow.

How the Accident Happened

The tragedy struck on Saturday afternoon when Sher Singh’s wedding party was returning home with the bride. One car carrying the groom’s elder brother Duni Chand (40), sister-in-law Kanta Devi (35), their 11-month-old daughter Kinjal, and Meena Devi (32), a resident of Nepal, had departed earlier to prepare for the wedding reception.

According to reports, Duni Chand was heading back early to make arrangements for welcoming the newlyweds. However, while traveling along the Pandoh-Bakhli road, their car veered out of control and plunged nearly 200 meters into a deep gorge.

Local Response and Rescue Efforts

Upon hearing of the accident, local residents were the first to reach the scene and began rescue operations. Police and administrative teams also quickly arrived. Although the crash happened in an open area near the dam and the vehicle did not fall into the water, it was so badly damaged that extracting the bodies required considerable effort. The bodies were transported to the road using a raft and then sent for post-mortem to the Mandi Zonal Hospital.

The deceased were identified as:

• Duni Chand (40), son of Ramesh Chand, resident of Tarai, Chachyot Tehsil

• Kanta Devi (35), wife of Duni Chand

• Kinjal (11 months), daughter of Duni Chand

• Meena Devi (32), daughter of Amar Singh, resident of Nepal

• Dahlu Ram, son of Thaliya Ram, resident of Naun village

Sadar Police Station in-charge Desh Ram confirmed the incident and stated that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

A Celebration Turns Into Mourning

Just hours before, the house had been echoing with wedding celebrations — but suddenly, four funeral processions departed from the same home. A pall of grief has enveloped the entire village. As Sher Singh lit the funeral pyres of his brother, sister-in-law, niece, and relative, he broke down inconsolably. Hundreds of villagers, with tear-filled eyes, gathered to pay their final respects.