The Indian Red Cross- DK appreciates humanitarian act of Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik

“The Indian Red Cross- DK would like to place on record its appreciation of the magnanimous humanitarian act of Bantwal MLA Mr. Rajesh Naik for volunteering to offer his private estate to perform the last rites of Patient No 432 who succumbed to Covid-19 and expired on April 23- the second victim of this pandemic in our District. 

Last Sunday when the mortal remains of the earlier victim was taken to the Boloor crematorium to perform the last rites, the District Administration and Police had a tough time convincing the local citizens that there was absolutely no danger to anyone in the vicinity by cremating the body of coronavirus victim. The District Administration tried their level best to perform the last rites of the second victim at any of the burial grounds of Mangalore City. There was stiff resistance from the locals.  

Since the deceased lady belonged to the Bantwal constituency, MLA Mr. Rajesh Naik was contacted by the District Administration and he discussed the matter with his family and made this magnanimous humanitarian decision of offering his private land to perform the last rites of the victim. “…the deceased lady belongs to my constituency and it is our duty to pay our respects to the mortal remains of all humans whatever be the cause of death” he is said to have informed the District Administration while making the offer.

It may be mentioned here that in UK prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a dead body is an offense punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or unlimited fine or both. In Canada’s criminal code there exists a provision that reads whoever improperly or indecently interferes with or offers any indignity to a dead human body or human remain, whether buried or not is guilty of an offense and is liable for imprisonment for a term, not more than five years. The right to a decent burial or cremation has been judicially recognized as a fundamental right.

The District Administration should invoke the necessary provisions of the Disaster Management Act or any other legal provision at its disposal and take necessary action against anyone denying the last rites to victims of epidemic diseases. This would work as an effective deterrent to offenders. This will also effuse confidence to the health care workers who are rendering yeoman services to the society and nation and to the families of the deceased of victims of Covid-19 who are already undergoing severe mental agony.”