Disrespect Shown to Rajesh’s Body; Government Hospital Failed to Provide Ambulance With Freezer

Thiruvananthapuram: The Revenue and Health departments has shown serious negligence in the handling of the body of R. Rajesh, who sacrificed his life after giving his life jacket to rescue a man stranded in floodwaters at Meenthulli in Cherupuzha.

Rajesh's body was released from the Government Medical College, Pariyaram, Kannur, after the post-mortem on Tuesday night at around 8.30 pm. However, despite the long journey to Thiruvananthapuram and the body's condition, it was transported in an ambulance that did not have freezer facilities.

According to the reports, his family had specifically requested a freezer-equipped ambulance, citing the long distance and the fact that the body had already begun to decompose. It is alleged that the request was rejected on the grounds that funds were unavailable.

The relatives were then asked to use the Medical College's non-freezer ambulance to transport the body. During the journey, foul odour reportedly developed, forcing them to shift the body to a privately operated freezer ambulance at Chavakkad before continuing the journey to Thiruvananthapuram.

Rajesh, a native of Kalliyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, lost his life while returning after rescuing a man stranded in floodwaters. He had handed over his own life jacket to the stranded person before attempting to swim back, during which he was swept away by the strong current and drowned. His act of self-sacrifice drew widespread appreciation across Keralam.