Udupi: In a poignant incident that has raised concerns over eroding family bonds, a social worker in Udupi stepped forward to conduct the final rites of a 70-year-old man after his brother refused to accept the body.
The deceased, who had been living in an ashram, passed away recently, following which a case was registered at the Kaup police station. Despite formal intimation and persuasion, the man’s brother declined to perform the funeral, leaving the responsibility to community members.
Police intervention and legal formalities
Upon the man’s death, police initiated the necessary legal formalities, including contacting the immediate family and arranging for post-mortem procedures at the district hospital. However, their efforts to convince the deceased’s brother proved unsuccessful.
Social worker performs burial
Taking moral responsibility, social worker Vishu Shetty stepped in to ensure that the funeral was conducted respectfully at Beedinagudde Rudra Bhumi on Monday. Shetty was supported by social activists Hussain, Ramadas Palan Udyavar, and Shiva of Udyavar’s Kanasina Mane.
Ambalpadi Krishna provided a JCB for assistance, while the burial was performed in accordance with the deceased’s religious customs.
Growing social concern
Speaking after the ceremony, Shetty remarked,
“Cases like this raise troubling questions about whether brotherhood and familial bonds are turning into nothing but an illusion. There has been a rise in such incidents lately.”
Social workers in the region say this is not an isolated case and reflects a worrying trend of declining responsibility toward elders and family members in vulnerable conditions.
Community response
Local residents have lauded the initiative of Shetty and his team for stepping in during a sensitive time. Many believe that such acts of compassion reaffirm the value of humanity when social structures fail.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and social responsibility in a world where familial bonds sometimes falter. Authorities and social organisations in Udupi are now considering setting up mechanisms to handle similar cases with dignity and sensitivity in the future.