Berhampur: An ASI, posted in Bhanjanagar Court, succumbed to COVID-19 late Friday night, according to official sources.
A native of Narendrapur, the 50-year-old policeman was staying in a rented house at Beguniapada. Earlier, he was posted in Kodala police station.
He was suffering from fever and cough for the last four days. He was admitted to Kodala community health center (CHC) after his health condition deteriorated on Friday evening and breathed his last there after a few hours.
After his death, his body was taken for the antigen test and the report confirmed COVID-19 positive.
When his family members came to take the body on Saturday morning, they found it lying on the floor unttended. They refused to take the body and created a ruckus over it but were pacified by the hospital and local administration officials.
District collector Vijay Amrit Kulange said the body was kept on the floor for the purpose of inquest.
“We never compromise with the dignity of COVID Warriors. IIC of Kodala, SDPO of Purushottampur, Beguniapada BDO, Executive Officer of Kodala NAC and Medical Officer of Kodala CHC were present at the hospital,” the collector said.