Faizan Wani
Srinagar, Aug 25: Police has registered a case against the relatives of a Coronavirus victim at Batpora area in outskirts of Srinagar for allegedly violating COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) during funeral of the deceased here last week.
Official sources said police have filed an FIR against relatives of COVID-19 victim who died last week at SMHS hospital.
They the next of kin of the deceased not only gathered in large numbers on the funeral of the deceased but also pelted stones on ambulances and other vehicles deputed with the team of health officials.
Taking cognizance of the incident, police registered a formal case under FIR number 79/2020 under section 147, 188, 427 IPC at Police Station Kralpora and investigation set into motion to ascertain facts.
It may be in place to mention that the deceased from Batpora Kralpora, was admitted at SMHS hospital on August 23 after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Sources said he succumbed to the virus the very next day.
“The body of the deceased was brought to his home in an ambulance, by health authorities for burial purposes, as per the guidelines laid down by the government. However, relatives of the deceased gathered in a large number on funeral of the deceased thereby violating prescribed COVID guidelines,” they said.
They said the relatives of the deceased besides violating protocol, damaged an ambulance and a Tata Sumo vehicle. This act of the public gathered at the funeral of the deceased posed grave threat to public health.
A police official while confirming the incident said a formal case under relevant section of Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered at Kralpora police station and investigation taken up.
Authorities have appealed public to strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by the government vis-à-vis COVID-19 pandemic or else there will be a major surge in positive cases which may be difficult for the administration to control. (KNO)
Police book COVID-19 victim’s relatives for violating SOPs on his funeral in Srinagar
