Mysuru: In a bizarre incident, a woman who was declared dead by hospital authorities turned alive, even as grieving family made arrangements for her last rites.

The family members immediately rushed her to the hospital, where she is reportedly recuperating.

The woman is Padmabai Loda, 59, wife of Mahendra Kumar Loda, treasurer of Pinjrapole Society.

It is said that Padmabai suffered respiratory problems on May 16 and was admitted to a private hospital. The doctors put her on ventilator and by 8 pm the same day, she was declared dead by the hospital authorities.

The news of the death was communicated to the relatives in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Mumbai. Hundreds of relatives gathered near the house after seeing the obituary published in a newspaper. Her daughters in Mumbai rushed to Mysuru.

The family decided to cremate the body at a crematorium at the foot of Chamundi Hill on May 17 at 11.30 am. The body was shifted to the house from the hospital at 9 am. Last rites were performed as per their family customs. After a few minutes, a few relatives observed movement in the body and Padmabai started breathing. She was rushed to Apollo Hospitals where she is being treated in an intensive care unit.

The elated family members rejoiced and celebrated her return by distributing sweets.

Special pujas and bhajans are being conducted for her recovery.