NHRC probes bribes taken from grieving father in Bengaluru
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking media report from Bengaluru, where a 64-year-old father mourning the death of his only daughter was allegedly forced to pay bribes to officials and staff at every stage — from the ambulance driver to the crematorium.
NHRC seeks report from Karnataka authorities
Taking serious note of the incident, the NHRC observed that the reported actions amount to a violation of basic human rights and dignity. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Karnataka, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission said the case reflects corruption, bureaucracy, and inhumanity in dealing with a grieving family.
Father forced to pay at every step
According to the media report dated 30 October 2025, the ordeal began when the father’s only daughter, an IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad graduate, suffered a brain haemorrhage on 18 September 2025 and passed away. When he called an ambulance, the driver allegedly overcharged for the service. At the police station, officers reportedly demanded money to provide copies of the FIR and post-mortem report, displaying a complete lack of empathy.
Bribes at crematorium and civic offices
The family’s act of donating the deceased’s eyes before cremation was followed by another demand for money at the crematorium, which the father was compelled to pay. The harassment continued even after the funeral, as Mahadevapura Municipal officials allegedly delayed the death certificate and issued it only after another bribe, despite the intervention of a senior officer.
A grim reminder of systemic corruption
The NHRC noted that what should have been a solemn farewell turned into a nightmare of corruption and apathy, exposing the inhuman treatment faced by citizens even in moments of deepest grief. It stated that such incidents underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform within the state’s public service and law enforcement mechanisms.
