Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): In a shocking incident, two relatives of a Covid-19 victim collapsed and died while performing the last rites of the person in Jammu, prompting the District Magistrate to order a magisterial probe into the incident.
Officials told NVI that a man, who was tested positive for coronavirus died in Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu last evening was taken for cremation at a ground in Jammu.
“The body was being cremated when two relatives of the deceased present in the last rites fell unconscious and died on the spot under mysterious circumstances,” they said, adding that the matter was brought immediately to the notice of Jammu administration.
District Magistrate Jammu Sushma Chauhan took serious note of the incident and has ordered a magisterial probe.
“It is imperative to probe the circumstances leading to the unfortunate death of said two persons through a magisterial inquiry,” reads the order. “Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Jammu shall conduct a detailed inquiry and shall submit the report with findings by 22 June.”
DM Jammu has also asked the inquiry officer to get the autopsy of both the deceased conducted through a board of doctors.
The Jammu DM, while speaking to NVI said she has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances in which both the relatives of Covid-19 victim died.
Official sources said that the inquiry will find out whether the two deceased were wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the last rites. “Another reason for their death could be the scorching heat in Jammu region where temperatures are already above 40 degrees Celsius,” an official said.
