COVID victim's mortal remains left half-burnt in crematorium, locals fuming in Karimganj

Head of the Forensic Department at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Gunajit Das had explained it to the people’s representative that the virus cannot spread while cremating a patient with the virus. He asserted that the body is packed in a three-layered package which makes it completely safe.

Albeit with some resistance, COVID victims’ last rites are being performed in crematoriums across Barak Valley. However, Karimganj’s Longai Crematorium exposes another threat,

The locals of the area allege that the administration-appointed team left the body of a COVID victim half-burnt. “We have foxes and dogs loitering around the pyre. In the morning we saw flies roaming around the pyre and that is when we realised that it is a half-burnt body,” said a local resident.

Immediately many others gathered and it was learned that the half-burnt body is of Azad Sagar Road resident Subir Das. As per available information, Das was in the ICU at Silchar Medical College and Hospital’s COVID ward and succumbed after testing positive for the virus.

After spotting the half-burnt body the locals called Sujan Deb Roy, a journalist and social activist. He rushed to the spot immediately. “Apart from being a reporter, I am also a member of an international NGO. After seeing the body lying there abandoned, I called the administration and told them if they allow me, I and my team will cremate the body,” informs Sujan Deb Roy.

He adds that PPE Kits were provided by the health department and after following all necessary protocols they cremated the half-burnt body. “This is not the time to play blame-game. I am not blaming or accusing anyone of this. The administration and the health department are also working round the clock. It is the time we all must unite and combat the invisible enemy,” added Roy.

Local residents, however, remain irked. “This was both irresponsible and inhuman. It is not right to disrespect the deceased and walk away from the cremation halfway through. This can also spread the disease in the locality and therefore we demand a high-level probe of the matter and immediate action against those involved in this irresponsible act,” said another local resident.