Shivamogga: A major goof up by the local municipal authorities left the residents in a state of fear, here on Friday night, following which the locals staged a protest, which was later withdrawn on Saturday morning with certain assurances from Muncipal Commissioner Chidananda Vatare.
All started with the authorities bringing the dead body of a 64-year-old man who had died on Friday, to Rotary Crematorium. Soon, the residents of Rajiv Gandhi Slum raised objections.
The police had resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
As per soucres, the body of a 64-year-old man was cremated by the authorities in a hasty manner as the protests had kick-started.
The issue turned into a crisis when rumours started making rounds that the authorities have left the half burnt body of the victim at the crematorium and that the stray dogs have started pulling out the remains.
At about 2 am on Saturday, the locals gathering outside the crematorium and demanded the authorities to arrive at the spot. The body was set ablaze again, but the local residents continued their protest.
On Saturday morning, the Municipal Commissioner and other authorties arrived at the spot and met the protesters.
Responding to the issue, the Municipal Commissioner said that since the body was kept in the mortuary freezer, it took longer time to burn.
“There is an incenerator facility at the crematorium, which will be used to cremate the dead bodies of the COVID-19 victims henceforth,” he said, adding that the locals have alleged that the PPE gears were also dumped by a few at the entrance of the crematorium, which too has now been disposed.
Meanwhile, the protesters withdrew the protest after the authorities promised them that the arrival of bodies at the crematorium will be informed to them, sanitization process will be taken up in the area after cremation of COVID victims and free health check-ups will be conducted for the slum dwellers.
