Mangaluru: The protective cover of a COVID-19 victim’s body was opened in the presence of a few Congress leaders from the district, in violation of the standard COVID protocols. The incident occurred at the crematorium in Boloor on Friday, in the presence of MLA UT Khader, former MLC Ivan D’Souza, and other Congress leaders.
According to a report by TOI, a video clip of the incident, where people in PPE kits were seen opening the face cover of the body, went viral after it was shared on a Facebook page named “Khader Nade Abhivridhi Kade”.
Speaking to TOI, MLA Khader clarified that none of the Congress leaders who were present touched the body. He added that the Congress leaders who were present had gone to attend the deceased woman’s funeral.
“Those who were wearing the PPE kits opened the protective cover and showed us the body. We did not open the cover,” he said adding that all they did was pay they respects from a “safe distance”.
Further, he suggested that a change in protocol was needed where only the face of the COVID-19 victims is covered with a transparent plastic sheet so that the family members can pay their last respects.
Stating that there there is no provision for the opening of the body bag of the COVID victims, Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner C Madan Mohan assured that the matter would be looked into.
