Police take over crematorium ahead of Suvra Mukherjee’s last rites

Delhi Police have taken over the Lodhi Road crematorium in preparation for Wednesday morning’s last rites of President Pranab Mukherjee’s wife <g data-gr-id="27">Suvra</g> Mukherjee, that is likely to see a host of VVIPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attending.

<g data-gr-id="26">Suvra</g> Mukherjee, who was ailing for some time, passed away on Tuesday morning. The cremation will take place at 10 am on Wednesday.

Though sources said the last rites would be performed on the electric furnace, the caretaker of the crematorium said Rashtrapati Bhavan booked both the traditional wooden pyre cremation and the electric furnace.

“They have booked for both kinds of cremation — the electric furnace and the traditional one,” caretaker Pandit Arun said.

Delhi Police officials and Special Branch officials have taken over the crematorium, which sees around 10-12 bodies being cremated every day.

The crematorium has been instructed not to receive any bookings from 7 am till 1.30 pm on Wednesday, in view of the large number of VVIPs, including ministers, top political leaders, and others who are set to attend the cremation.

Overnight repairs are being undertaken at the crematorium — officially called Dayanand Muktidham 

Cremation Ground and Electric Crematorium — due to the sudden VVIP focus.

The road in front of the crematorium and some others will remain blocked on Wednesday morning for the cremation.

“In view of the visit of VVIPs at Lodhi crematorium on Wednesday, general public is advised to avoid Lala Lajpat Rai Marg from Moolchand to Lodhi flyover and Lodhi Road between 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.,” Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander said.

According to the official, commuters can use Aurobindo Marg, Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Mathura Road and Ring Road for commuting from South Delhi to Central Delhi.