Good Samaritan steps in when man refuses to cremate father

Bhopal: A man in Bhopal refused to cremate his father who died from COVID-19. The cremation was therefore done by Tehsildar Gulab Singh. "Prem Singh who was tested COVID-19 positive died on April 20. At that time his family including his wife, son, and his brother-in-law had said that they would do the cremation in the morning as per Hindu rituals. However, in the morning they backtracked," Singh told ANI. "I tried to convince the son to do the funeral rites while wearing personal protection equipment kit. However, he was scared of getting the infection and his mother too supported his decision. Hence, I along with some other people did the funeral.

"The family was present during the funeral but stayed at a distance, he added.

The Tehsildar said that though he conducted the funeral to respect with the sentiments of the family, "the reason behind such fear is lack of awareness towards measures that can prevent the spread of coronavirus." According to government guidelines, friends and family of a person who has died from Covid-19 infection can view the body, but not touch, hug or kiss the deceased.