Assam: SP in PPE kit performs last rites of COVID-19 victim

Facing trouble after the locals opposed the cremation of a COVID-19 victim in Karbi Anglong in Assam, the district Superintendent of Police came out to bid adieu the 58-year-old deceased in a dignified manner.

After the locals opposed the cremation of the patient in the village fearing for their health, SP Debojit Deuri wearing a pair of PPE kit performed the last rites in a secluded place on June 9^th, 2020.

As per information, even the staff at a morgue had refused to carry the body of the quinquagenarian, who had succumbed to the disease on June 7^th, 2020.

Also read: Assam to set up special crematoriums, graveyards for COVID-19 related deaths

Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Mukul Kumar Saikia told reporters, the body could be cremated at Sunbora village of Bokolia area at the SP’s initiative on June 9^th, 2020 morning. “We had wanted to cremate the body in the designated area provided by the district Autonomous Council for COVID-19 victims at Athkilo. But, we could not do so as the locals opposed the cremation fearing for their health,” the DC said.

Later, the body was cremated at an alternate area provided by the Council’s Chief Executive Member in the Doldoli Reserve Forest.

The deceased was in a quarantine centre at Bokolia ghat after returning to Assam on May 26^th, 2020. He was advised home quarantine after his samples were tested negative for the lethal virus.

It may be mentioned that the deputy commissioners of all the districts were asked by the Assam government to set up crematorium and graveyards at secluded places for the last rites of the COVID-19 related deaths. This was informed by the Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 20^th, 2020.

It may be mentioned that the Kamrup (Metro) district administration had faced problems to cremate the body of 71-year-old COVID-19 patient – Gopindra Chandra Malakar. He died of the infection on May 18.

As per information, Malakar’s body was taken to Bhootnath cremation ground by the Kamrup (Metro) district administration officials. But, the decision was withdrawn after receiving objections from the authority of the cremation ground. Later, the body decided to cremate the body at the Ulubari Cremation Ground. Following the cremation, the Ulubari Cremation Ground committee alleged that the district administration cremated the body without giving any prior information to the committee. The committee also alleged that the cremation ground was not sanitized by the administration after the cremation.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.