The hearse van at Ponda Police Station, which caters to the entire Ponda taluka, is in a severely deteriorated condition, sparking concern among local residents. Ironically, the vehicle meant to transport the deceased now appears in need of medical attention itself, with rusted panels, worn-out interiors, and poor maintenance.
Locals have expressed outrage over the state of the van, calling it both disrespectful and unsafe for its intended purpose. Many are urging authorities to either repair the existing van or replace it with a new one to ensure dignified transport of the deceased.
“This is a basic facility, and it’s appalling that such an essential service is being neglected,” said a resident. Community leaders have also echoed the demand, calling on the government to prioritize the issue and allocate necessary resources without delay.