Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader V. Sivankutty on Thursday (August 6) demanded action against the officials responsible for the alleged transfer without freezer facilities of the body of swimming instructor R. Rajesh, a native of Kalliyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, who lost his life while trying to save a man trapped in flood waters in Kannur.
In a press release, Mr. Sivankutty accused the Revenue and Health departments of a cruel and irresponsible approach in transporting the body from Kannur. According to him, Rajesh’s body was released after post-mortem at the Government Medical College Kannur at around 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday. Since the body, which had started to decompose, had to be taken all the way to Thiruvananthapuram, the relatives had repeatedly requested for an ambulance with freezer facilities. However, the authorities rejected the request citing lack of funds as the reason, he said.
On the way, Rajesh’s relatives had to shift the body to a private ambulance with freezer facilities as a foul smell began to emanate from the decomposing body. The disrespect shown by the government departments to Rajesh and his family is a grave injustice, said Mr. Sivankutty.
Meanwhile, Kannur District Collector P. Vishnuraj has ordered a detailed inquiry into the transportation of the body of Rajesh. Additional District Magistrate P.N. Purushothaman has been directed to investigate the circumstances under which the body was transported up to Chavakkad in Thrissur in a vehicle without freezer facilities, and submit a report.
Published – August 06, 2026 08:19 pm IST
