In Malda village, Muslim neighbours help family of Hindu labourer perform his last rites
Times of India | 2 April 2025
Malda: In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, the Muslim community in Malda's Ramdhantola village came together to support a bereaved Hindu family, setting aside recent tensions in the region.
Following Eid prayers, local Muslims collected funds to assist the family of Tinku Mandal, 37, a migrant labourer who died unexpectedly in Delhi on Sunday morning. Mandal, the sole breadwinner of his family, left behind his wife Tumpa and four minor children.
The family faced significant financial challenges in bringing back Mandal's body home and performing the last rites. While relatives and neighbours initially gathered some funds, it proved insufficient. The Muslim residents of Barabagan and Kachari More stepped in, collecting donations even after their Eid prayers on Monday.
"We collected money after Eid prayers to stand by our neighbour. It was our duty, and we have learned to live this way," said Rahim Sk, who, along with Rojina Biwi and Taher Sk, delivered the collected funds to the grieving family.
The gesture holds particular significance given the recent communal tensions in Mothabari. Beauty Mandal, a relative of the deceased, expressed gratitude, saying: "It would have been impossible for us to bring the body home and perform the final rites without the support of our Muslim brothers."
This act of compassion has emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how community bonds can transcend religious boundaries during times of crisis.