Denial of crematorium for Covid-19 victim: Former health minister slams BJP MLA

MANGALURU: Former health minister and

Mangaluru

MLA U T Khader has slammed Mangaluru City North MLA

Dr Y Bharath Shetty

for Thursday’s incident of pandemonium that led to the shifting of cremation venue for Covid-19 victim from Pachanady

crematorium

to

Bantwal

.

Tension prevailed following the death of a 75 year old woman on Thursday after people opposed cremation at Pachanady crematorium in the city. In a video that has gone viral, MLA Bharath Shetty from the BJP was seen saying that since the administration had not informed him about the decision to conduct the funeral and people were objecting, he would stand by them. Following objections from people, the body of woman was later cremated at a crematorium in Kaikunje of Bantwal taluk.

Referring to this, Khader told reporters on Friday that the incident happened on Thursday was very unfortunate one. “It is a blot on civilized society. I wonder as to how the MLA could lead people who were protesting against the cremation. His MLA’s position in not permanent, but humanity is important. I condemn the stand taken by MLA Bharath Shetty,” Khader said and appreciated Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik U from the BJP for his coordination for the cremation.

There were rumours that the body of woman will be brought to Mangaluru constituency, Khader said adding that he convinced people in his constituency not to object if the district administration decides to cremate the body in Mangaluru constituency limits.

“The district administration has been taking all precautions as per state and central governments’ guidelines while cremating the bodies of Covid19 victims. It is common that people will be left confused about cremation of Covid19 victims in their locality. It is the responsibility of people’s representatives like us to convince them by clearing their doubts. Who should guide people when people’s representatives themselves support those who oppose the cremation,” the Congress MLA questioned.