Karnataka sacks field team in Ballari for disrespectful handling of bodies of Covid-19 patients | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Karnataka sacks field team in Ballari for disrespectful handling of bodies of Covid-19 patients

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com| Edited by Sabir Hussain
Jun 30, 2020 08:55 PM IST

The Ballari district administration also apologised to the families of those whose bodies were disposed off disrespectfully.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday disbanded a field team involved in burials of bodies of Covid-19 patients in Ballari district after videos emerged of disrespectful handling of the bodies.

A video grab allegedly showing members of a field team dumping bodies of Covid-19 patients in an open pit.(ANI)
A video grab allegedly showing members of a field team dumping bodies of Covid-19 patients in an open pit.(ANI)

The government also apologised to the families of the dead.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Congress leader D K Shivakumar posted a video which allegedly showed members of a field team dumping bodies of Covid-19 patients in an open pit.

The government acted quickly. Deputy Commissioner and District magistrate S S Nakul in a statement said an enquiry was ordered under Additional Deputy Commissioner and it was found that the video belongs to Ballari and companies of burial of eight people who succumbed to Covid-19.

“The video shows that protocols/SOP to be followed for burial (body bags, lining etc.) have been strictly followed. However, District Administration is deeply upset and sorrowful at the manner in which the remains of the deceased were handled…. The entire field team involved has been disbanded and will be replaced by a new team trained by the HoD, Forensics, VIMS.” Nakukl said.

“The District Administration regrets the incident and hereby unconditionally apologises to the families of the departed in particular and the people of Ballari in general,” Nakul said.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also condemned the way bodies were handled.

“Behaviour of staff during the funeral of #COVID19 infected people in Ballari district is very inhuman & very painful. I request the staff, let’s realize that there is no greater religion than humanity: Karnataka,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) tweeted.

Meanwhile, Karnataka reported 947 new Covid-19 cases including 503 from Bengaluru Urban, taking Karnataka’s tally to 15,242. There were 20 casualties today, raing the death toll in the pandemic to 246, the state health department said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On