Pic shows: Deepak Singh who was believed to be dead was saved from being burnt alive when he was woken up by the wailing of his relatives as he lay on a funeral pyre.
An OAP who was believed to be dead was saved from being burnt alive when he was woken up by the wailing of his relatives as he lay on a funeral pyre.
Deepak Singh, 72, collapsed at his home in the city of Bhilwada in Indias north-western state of Rajasthan in front of his horrified relatives as he went to feed his cows.
Grandson Banda Nalwa, 26, said: “He seemed fine when he woke up in the morning and said he was off to do his chores.
“But as he started walking over to where the cows are he suddenly fell to the ground.
“I rushed over and couldnt see any signs of life.
“I couldnt feel a pulse and his heart seemed to have stopped.
“I called the rest of the family and they agreed.
“We thought he was dead.”
A local doctor called to the house then confirmed their fears and the family began preparing the pyre in line with the Hindu tradition which dates back thousands of years.
After laying him out on the pieces of wood and cloth, Singhs relatives gathered round and began their death wail, the customary practice of saying farewell to a loved one.
Grandson Nalwa said: “As the volume of the wailing increased I suddenly saw my grandfathers body move.
“At first I thought it was my imagination, but then he opened his eyes and sat up.”
Realising the mistake, Nalwa and his uncle Gulshan, 56, quickly helped the pensioner off the pyre.
Nalwa said: “Thank God we didnt set the pyre alight as it seems he had just fainted.
“We were very lucky.”
Stunned Singh said: “I know I can be a bit of a pain at times, but I hope they wait till I am actually dead before trying to set me on fire again.”
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