Hyderabad: A heartbreaking tragedy emerged in Mahbubnagar when a father waited for nearly eight hours in a cremation ground with the body of his eight-year-old son. The father, Balaraj of Prem Nagar, held the child in his lap and cried helplessly because he had no money for the last rites. He said he struggled to feed his son when he was alive and now could not perform his funeral.
Balaraj earlier worked at a cotton mill and lived with his wife and two children. When the mill closed, the family lost its only income. Soon after, his wife returned to her parents’ home with their younger child. Their elder son Harish, who lived with a disability, remained with Balaraj.
Mahbubnagar tragedy exposes family’s financial struggle
To support Harish, Balaraj started working at a small hotel. He said the boy’s health worsened after his mother left. Because he had no money for treatment, Harish remained sick for weeks and eventually died. With no resources left, Balaraj brought the child to the cremation ground. He sat there for hours, unsure whom to ask for help. Witnesses said he cried constantly and blamed himself for not being able to care for his son.
Locals who saw him informed volunteers about the situation.
We Foundation extends help after Mahbubnagar tragedy
Members of We Foundation soon reached the cremation ground and helped Balaraj complete the last rites. They said no parent should face such pain and promised further help. Residents urged officials and welfare groups to support distressed families before tragedies reach this level.