Painful scene in Kerala. Muslim woman leader carried out last rites for 64-year-old man after family refused to claim body. T . Narayanan,who died from advanced mouth cancer on June 25 at Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode,faced abandonment from relatives citing estrangement and money issues.
Despite being notified by Manjeswaram police,Narayanan's family didn't step up . They gave written consent for Irfana Iqbal,district panchayat member and development standing committee chair,to handle funeral . After formalities,Narayanan's body moved to Uppala and cremated at Cherugoli public crematorium,where Iqbal performed last rites by Hindu customs.
Narayanan’s death circumstances contrasted with compassion at his farewell. His plight known when Shareef Chinala,a Meenja ward member, alerted Iqbal about critically ill man. Iqbal found Narayanan semi-conscious,without proper food or care for a week. “He was lying in his own waste,and strong odour from untreated cancer kept others away,” Iqbal said. “No one willing to help.”
Local residents ignored Narayanan's condition, and even his sister, living nearby,refused responsibility despite pleas. K.F . Iqbal, trustee of Sheikh Zayed Old Age Home,noted they offered to pay transport costs for funeral, but family still refused. Eventually,they submitted written statements to police,formally stating unwillingness to claim body.
No criminal charges filed against family, but trust believes legal look needed. K.F. Iqbal worried Narayanan was abandoned,saying he likely would have died soon without volunteers' help. Criticized lack of welfare support,noting Narayanan was from Scheduled Caste. Iqbal pointed out local officials, like Scheduled Caste promoter and ASHA worker,didn't act . Complaint lodged with block-level Scheduled Caste officer over alleged negligence.
This tragic story questions community responsibility and systems for vulnerable. As Narayanan's life ended,compassion from Iqbal and others starkly contrasted with those who turned away…
