Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises Government Over Handling of Rajesh's Mortal Remains

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the state government over the alleged handling of the mortal remains of Rajesh, the Kalliyoor native who died while attempting to rescue a person swept away in floodwaters at Cherupuzha in Kannur.

In a statement, Pinarayi described the government's actions as "extremely cruel and disrespectful," saying Rajesh's sacrifice symbolised courage and humanity. He alleged that neither the government nor the concerned departments arranged a freezer ambulance to transport the body from Kannur Government Medical College, Pariyaram, to Rajesh's residence in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to the Opposition leader, the incident reflected negligence and administrative failure on the part of the authorities. He said Rajesh's relatives were forced to hire a freezer-equipped ambulance midway through the journey at Chavakkad after the body began to decompose.

Pinarayi stated that such treatment amounted to an insult to a person who had laid down his life while saving another and said the government had failed to show even basic humanity towards the bereaved family.

He further demanded that the government explain the alleged lapses on the part of the Health and Revenue departments and called for strict action against those responsible for what he described as inhuman negligence.