Berhampur: The unbridled spread of coronavirus and mounting toll due to COVID-19 have unfolded predicted socio-psychological manifestations. The fear of the disease has even permeated basic human values as was evident in the third such case in Ganjam district.
In Sorada NAC of the district, one Rajendra Suara, who was ill for some time, died. But neither his relatives nor neighbours came forward to carry the body to cremation ground for the apparent reason that his son had tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a TNIE report.
Later, Sorada tehsildar Rabindra Mishra and IIC Ramesh Pradhan reached Rajendra’s house and tried to persuade his relatives and neighbours to carry his body to the cremation site. But, they refused fearing the spread of the virus.
Finally, his younger son Rabindra Suara along with one of his cousins carried the body for cremation with the help of NAC staff. Rabindra has been placed under quarantine along with his cousin.
On July 3, a man of Kabisuryanagar died of heart attack soon after his son tested positive for coronavirus and was sent to COVID Hospital. But no friends or relatives came to his house for cremation which was performed by four youths of the area using PPE.
Similarly, two days back, a youth of the same area died on the way to COVID Hospital. In his case also, nobody turned up for the cremation. His body was taken to Dhanei river by two people and buried on the river bed with the help of a JCB machine.
Also Read: Corona Fear: Friends, Relatives Avoid Cremation Of Body In Odisha’s Ganjam
