Punjab: Artificial knees stolen from deceased man’s cremation site in Bathinda
Ashok Verma
Bathinda (Punjab), September 8, 2026: : In a bizarre and disturbing incident that has left residents shocked, a pair of artificial knees were allegedly stolen from the cremation site of a deceased man in Bhai Bakhtaur village of Bathinda district.
The incident came to light when the family of 65-year-old Sudhagar Singh returned to the cremation ground the day after his last rites to collect his ashes as part of the customary rituals. They were reportedly stunned to find that the artificial knee implants, which had been fitted during the deceased's lifetime, were missing.
According to villagers, the family was informed that a young man had been seen moving the ashes at the cremation ground with a stick. His suspicious behaviour prompted relatives and other villagers to look for him.
The youth was allegedly spotted attempting to leave the cremation site with the artificial knees. Villagers chased and caught him, subsequently recovering both implants, according to the account provided by local residents.
Alleged Attempt to Sell Implants
Villagers claimed that the youth was under the influence of intoxicants when he was caught. They further alleged that he admitted to taking the artificial knees with the intention of selling them.
The incident has triggered anger and disbelief in the village, with residents questioning how someone could enter a cremation ground and allegedly remove items from a deceased person's remains.
The deceased's son, Kulwinder Singh, expressed anguish over the incident, saying that theft had reached such a level that even a cremation ground was seemingly no longer being spared.
He said the family was particularly distressed that belongings or medical implants associated with the deceased were allegedly removed after the final rites.
Police Reach Spot
Personnel from Kot Phatta police station reportedly reached the cremation site after being informed about the incident. However, according to the information available, no formal police action had been taken at the time of reporting.
The incident has sparked considerable discussion among villagers, not only because of the unusual nature of the alleged theft but also because it occurred at a cremation ground, a place traditionally regarded as a space of final farewell and dignity for the dead.