The death of four residents in two days at an old age home run by the Department of Social Justice at Tavanur triggered a protest by the local people on Monday.
Officials said the four died of natural causes, but the protesters alleged that the deaths were due to lack of proper care. Minister for Health K.K. Shylaja has ordered an inquiry into the deaths.
Sreedevi Amma from Kadanchery died on Sunday, and Krishna Bose from Tenhipalam, Velayudhan from Manoor and Kali Amma from Chalisseri died on Monday.
The body of Sreedevi Amma was cremated. Trouble began when the old age home officials tried to remove the bodies of the other three for last rites. Protesters staged a sit-in in front of the home and shouted slogans, alleging foul play. They demanded post-mortem examination.
Minister for Higher Education and Minority Welfare K.T. Jaleel denied the allegations.
“They died of natural causes,” he said.
As many as 79 residents remain at the old age home. There are only six employees to take care of them. Most of them have either been abandoned by their children or left home on their own or are homeless. Many are ailing.
District leaders of the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) demanded here on Monday that a full-time doctor’s service be provided to the residents of the old age home.
