Srikakulam Collector J. Nivas on Saturday warned that the government would take stern action against officials who failed to ensure proper and decent last rites for patients who died of COVID-19.
The Collector suspended Palasa Municipal Commissioner T. Nagendra Kumar and Sanitary Inspector N. Rajiv, who reportedly used an earthmover for lifting of a body of a 70-year-old patient, who a couple of days ago and tested positive for the virus.
As people came to know about the test results before his funeral, most of them left Udayapuram locality of Palasa municipality. When family members, relatives and locals refused to perform his last rites, the municipal authorities arranged an earthmover to lift the body and sent it to the crematorium.
In another incident in Sompeta, four employees, including the Executive Officer of Rrural Development, tractor driver and two contingent workers were suspended on Saturday for transporting the body of a COVID-19 victim in a tractor.
The two issues led to widespread criticism. The Collector said it was inhuman to use machines for lifting bodies, and was against to the guidelines of the Union and State governments.
Mr. Nivas, who visited the containment zone, directed the officials to ensure decent final journey for patients who died of COVID-19. He said that health and municipal authorities should coordinate in ensuring funeral since family members would not be allowed to touch the body.
Mr. Nivas assured that all the safety gear would be supplied to the staff who would take up the responsibility.
