Bengaluru, July 1, 2020: Eight bodies – believed to be of those killed by the COVID-19 virus – wrapped in plastic are being tossed into a common pit for burial in a disturbing video that emerged June 30 from Karnataka’s Ballari district.
Ballari Deputy Commissioner Collector SS Nakul, who pointed out the bodies were wrapped in plastic – in line with government guidelines on disposing of the bodies of COVID-19 victims – said the “humanitarian” aspect was under investigation.
“We are inquiring into this. If you look at the video, the body is packaged properly. We need to look at it (on) humanitarian grounds. That is why this inquiry. We need to create awareness of this (respectful handling of bodies), it is true, and action will be taken,” SS Nakul said.
The DC also said: “On humanitarian grounds this is not done. Individual cremation must be done. We will conduct an inquiry and take action”.
The entire field team involved in “the disrespectful handling of the bodies” had been disbanded and would be replaced by a new specially trained team. The district administration also issued an unconditional apology to the families of those who died and others hurt by the incident.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa termed the behaviour of the staff “inhuman and painful” and urged all staff to tread cautiously, and with humanity, in handling the bodies and funerals of those affected by the virus.
The opposition, the Janata Dal Secular, was quick to criticise the ruling BJP, tweeting: “BEWARE! By chance, if you or your family members die because of COVID-19, this is how the BJP Govt. in Karnataka throws away your body with many others into a single pit!”
“This is the ‘well-planned COVID management’ that the government talks about every day in the media!” the tweet also said.
https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/coronavirus-karnataka-bodies-of-covid-19-victims-thrown-into-mass-grave-in-karnatakas-ballari-district-2254771?pfrom=home-topstories