Pune: Muslim Man Performs Last Rites of Hindu Woman’s Brother, Sets Example of Communal Harmony

Rasta Peth, 29th March 2025: At a time when communal tensions have flared in parts of Maharashtra, a heartwarming act of unity and brotherhood in Pune has sent a powerful social message. Amid the holy month of Ramadan, a Muslim social activist, Javed Khan, stepped up to help a Hindu woman, Jayshree Kinkle, by arranging and performing the last rites of her deceased brother, Sudhir Kinkle, when she had no one else to turn to.

The incident unfolded in Rasta Peth, where 70-year-old Sudhir Kinkle passed away, leaving behind his sister Jayshree with no relatives to assist her. In distress, she reached out to social activist Javed Khan, who immediately responded to her call for help.

“My friend Michael Sathe informed me about the passing of Sudhir Kinkle. He lived at 286, Rasta Peth, and had no family except his sister. Michael asked if I could help with the last rites. Without hesitation, I rushed to Sassoon Hospital, where I met Jayshree Tai and Police Constable Holkar. The legal formalities were still in process, and it was getting late in the evening,” Khan recounted.

Faith Beyond Boundaries
As the evening approached, Jayshree Kinkle expressed her concern, saying, “We are Brahmins, and we do not perform last rites after sunset. Please arrange it for the morning.” Moved by her helplessness and grief, Khan decided to honor her wish, even though the next day was one of the most significant religious observances in Ramadan.

“The following day was Laylat al-Qadr, the most sacred night of Ramadan, when prayers hold immense significance. But at that moment, I felt that maybe Allah had chosen me for this task—to support a grieving sister in need,” Khan shared.

Keeping aside caste, religion, and his own religious commitments, Khan arranged for the funeral at Vaikunth Crematorium. He sent his associates Shubham and Sheru to Sassoon Hospital early in the morning to assist with the final rites.

“When we reached Vaikunth, we all stood together as Sudhir uncle’s family. At that moment, there was no Hindu or Muslim—only humanity. We performed the rituals with dignity and respect, ensuring Jayshree Tai was not alone in her grief,” Khan said.