‘72 hrs of work’: Unsung hero ensured German Bakery blast victims got dignified farewell

Mario narrowly escaped the blast himself. “I was on the same road, delivering a hearse to the airport,” he shared. “A staff member from Ruby Hall Clinic had lost her mother, and I was transporting her body to Patna. I had just crossed the German Bakery and reached home in Wanowrie when my niece called my brother and asked, ‘Where is Uncle?’ I entered the house, and within 15 minutes, the blast happened.”

His journey as an undertaker began in 1997 after a personal tragedy. “I lost my wife in 1995. I used to visit the cemetery often with my daughter. While doing so, I started helping people with funeral arrangements. A gardener at the cemetery suggested I formally enter the profession since I was already assisting people,” he shared.

Initially hesitant, Mario consulted his mother, who gave him life-changing advice. “She said, ‘Don’t sit at home, be outside. Help people’ That was a wake-up call. We started slowly but gradually gained the trust of people to handle their most delicate and vulnerable moments of tragedy. This included COVID-19 too years later,” he said.

Mario’s journey as an undertaker began in 1997 after a personal tragedy. (Express Photo)

Recollecting the blast, he said, “There was one tragic incident I remember clearly. After a blast victim’s body was taken out from the mortuary, someone had applied too much Nilgiri oil to the body. The victim’s wife, who was sitting beside the body, hugged it, and the strong scent of Nilgiri affected her so badly that she started feeling dizzy, vomited near the body, and then fainted. Many people believe in using Nilgiri for the deceased, but I always advise against it. The person applying it usually runs away because of the strong smell, but the family, who sit near the body, suffer its effects. It is unnecessary, yet many continue the practice without understanding its consequences.”

Describing the grim scenes he witnessed during the German Bakery tragedy, Mario said, “Yes, I saw the bodies in a terrible state. One of the most challenging cases was that of Nadia, an Italian woman. The police refused to release her body until we had proper authorisation. Fortunately, the Italian Consulate sent a letter, but even then, the police were sceptical. Going through Nadia’s belongings, we found her passport and other essentials, which expedited the whole process.”

He added, “During the German Bakery blast, I was continuously involved in the work for nearly three days—more than 72 hours. The first day was spent at the hospitals. On the second day, I was at the police station, working on the paperwork. After finally getting some rest on the third day, I received a call from an inspector, asking me to return because there was an issue with one of the coffins. A boy’s coffin, which was being sent to Delhi, was not packed properly. Initially, I refused because I was extremely tired, but then of course went to finish my work.”

Reflecting on his profession, Mario said, “I handle all funeral arrangements, and my work is not limited to any particular religion. I arrange funerals for people from all backgrounds. This year marks 25 years in the field as I started in September 2000, and I will continue doing this as long as I can. I never charge people in advance and handle everything meticulously. If a body is going for cremation and the coffin is not needed. I remove the coffin and donate it to Mother Teresa’s organisation, as we cannot reuse it for another person. But this Germany Bakery blast was one of the most important life experiences for me which I will never forget.”