Body of an Indian man who died in an accident in the United States earlier this month, will in all likelihood be buried as his wife is in a coma and incapable of giving consent for his cremation. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that the Indian Consul General in New York, Riva Ganguly proposed the body of deceased Chandan Gavai who died along with his parents, be buried till his wife Manisha Surwade comes out of her coma.
An IT professional, Gavai, 38, and parents Kamalnayan Gavai, 74, and Archana Gavai, 60, were killed when a pickup truck crashed into their car while they were returning after watching the 4th of July fireworks at Yaphank, Suffolk County. Both the vehicles burst into flames immediately, and the truck driver died on the spot. Swaraj tweeted, "Burial of Chandan as his wife Manisha is in coma and she alone can give consent for his cremation." US laws dictate the spouse's consent is necessary for the cremation of a body.
Swaraj said death certificates would be issued for all the three who died and the family would be helped in getting insurance money. She added that all members of the family, including Manisha, who are in the US, are agreeable to the Consul General's proposal.
