Bhubaneswar, April 15 -- A body remained uncremated for over 36 hours in Andri village under Kopena panchayat in Umerkote block of Nabarangpur district in Odisha, following a dispute over access to the village cremation ground.

Manik Santa, a resident of the village, died on Monday evening. However, her last rites could not be performed as her family was reportedly denied space in the cremation ground after having converted their religion.

Villagers stated that space would be provided only if the last rites were conducted according to Hindu rituals.

Umerkote police, along with the Tehsildar and the Block Development Officer (BDO), reached the spot and attempted to persuade the villagers. Officials held discussions with villagers and lo...