COVID Stigma: Odisha Villagers Shut Crematorium Doors For COVID Victims

In these times of despair, shocking reports of COVID19 stigma continue to surface. Villagers reportedly barricaded the crematorium in Jamapalli in Bhanjanagar area of Ganjam district. Such an unprecedented step was taken by the locals following cremation of bodies of suspected COVID19 victims. The villagers blocked access to the crematorium claiming risk of infection on account of cremation of bodies of COVID19 patients.

It is alleged that for the past couple of days, bodies of COVID19 patients were being cremated at the crematorium by a voluntary organization Helping Hand.

The villagers had been opposing such cremation. Yesterday, the villagers had also opposed a cremation. The sub-collector then spoke with the concerned local police following which the cremation took place.

However, in the morning, the entry to the crematorium was found blocked with wooden planks.

Voluntary organization, Helping Hand has been cremating bodies of the COVID victims whose families shun their dead.

With such opposition by the villagers is expected to create headache for the administration to cremate the bodies. However, administration sources have said that keeping in mind such issues, alternate cremation spots have been identified to tackle the problem.