Berhampur: At a time when relatives and friends turn their back to attend the cremation of any person for fear of COVID-19, an MLA has come forward to perform the last rites of the destitutes.
BJD legislator of Berhampur Bikram Kumar Panda and a team of Odisha Mo Parivar’, social service wing of the ruling party in the state, have been engaged in the noble act, earning accolades from many.
According to sources, 70-year-old D Sabita Achari of Balajipentha Sahi, who was alone in her house, died of ailments. Her body was lying for hours as nobody came forward to carry it for the cremation fearing coronavirus.
On being informed, Bikram and his team reached Sabita’s house and performed the cremation with utmost care and honour.
Kabita Bhuyan, a resident of Haridakhandi, succumbed to ailments at MKCG Medical College and Hospital on August 9. As her husband had died due to kidney-related ailments a few years ago, Bikram provided financial support for her treatment.
After her death, the MLA’s team carried the body to the cremation ground and performed the last rites.
Similar is the case with Saraswati Sahu of Kapileswarpeta Street.
Besides coming to the help of the destitutes, Bikram along with the Odisha Mo Parivar team has collected 300 units of blood through ‘Jibana Bindu’ programme.
