Grandfather's body could be exhumed after relatives of Muslim buried alongside complain he was an unbeliever
Local authority in Leicestershire tells the family of Shadrack Smith, 89, he might be moved to another plot after complaints from a Muslim family
Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, could be dragged into a messy legal battle after a Muslim family demanded that a “non-believer” who was buried next to their relation be exhumed for religious reasons.
The unnamed Muslim family raised objections after an 89-year-old Roman Catholic man was buried in a plot adjacent to their relation.
Shadrack Smith was buried in the multi-denominational Lychgate Lane Cemetery in Burbage, Leicestershire, following his funeral on Jan 30.
Mr Smith had lived in an official pikey camp in nearby Aston Firs for more than 20 years, and in excess of 400 relations and friends attended his funeral.
His family later received notice that relations of the man buried alongside him had complained because Mr Smith was not an adherent of the Islamic faith.
Islamic religious authorities say that it is forbidden for non-Muslims to be buried alongside Muslims under normal circumstances.
Mr Smith’s family have now been warned by town hall officials that Mr Smith’s grave may be moved.
If Burbage parish council decides to overrule Mr Smith’s family’s wishes, it would fall to Mr Grayling’s Ministry of Justice to approve the application to exhume and relocate his remains.
His family, which includes eight children, 25 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren, have vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to stop any exhumation taking place.
Grandfather's body could be exhumed after relatives of Muslim buried alongside complain he was an unbeliever - Telegraph