Coronavirus Scare: Odisha Families ‘Barred’ From Cremating Kin Who Died In Japan

Balasore: While the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in China, miles away in Odisha the fear of the deadly disease is clearly evident from the case of two families who were refused to cremate their kin who died in a gas leakage in Japan.

Sheikh Mantaz of Kasaba Kamarda area in Balasore and Sheikh Baharuddin of Badachana area in Jajpur district, who had been working as cooks in a hotel in Tokyo of Japan, died during a carbon monoxide gas leakage on January 29.

The bodies of the duo were brought to their native village today after intervention of Union Minister Pratap Sarangi who had sought help from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in connection with the incident.

However, their panic-stricken families showed reluctance in performing last rites of the bodies fearing contamination of the deadly coronavirus.

Asked about it, the family members claimed that the authorities while handing over the bodies to them at Kolkata airport have asked them not to touch the bodies.

Meanwhile, a 10-member medical team led by Balasore Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Banerjee Prasad Chhotray conducted the funeral of the deceased in presence of Sub-collector and other officials of the district administration.

“There is no need to be panic as we learnt that the duo died of asphyxiation. However, it has been ensured that less number of people take part in the funeral for its smooth conduct," said Chhotray.

Meanwhile, amid the coronavirus scare, two ships from China named M/T Chemroad Lily and MV Ocean Rosemary reached Paradip port in Jagatsinghpur district today. A special medical team from Paradip Port Trust Hospital examined the health of 25 crew members of Chemroad Lily.

“We examined their health through infrared thermal scanner and did not find any symptoms of fever following which clearance was given to them,” said chief medical officer of Paradip Port Trust Hospital, Dr Prahallad Panda.