Chennai Corporation rejects request for re-burial of Dr Simon Hercules citing health experts

On Saturday, Chennai Corporation rejected the request pertaining to the re-burial of Dr Simon Hercules, who died in a private hospital after battling the novel coronavirus. As per the report, transferring the mortal remains of a coronavirus-infected person after proper burial is not advisable due to safety reasons.

Chennai: Exhuming the body of Dr Simon Hercules from Velangadu cemetery is not advisable, Chennai Corporation said on Saturday while rejecting the appeal of the doctor's widow for a reburial at Kilpauk cemetery.

In an official release, the civic body said, “We have carefully discussed with public health experts at length and have sought a report on the same. As per the report, transferring the mortal remains of a coronavirus-infected person after proper burial is not advisable due to safety reasons. So, we cannot entertain the appeal.”

Chennai Corporation rejects request for re-burial of Dr Simon Hercules citing health experts

On Tuesday, a day after his burial at Velangadu amid protests, Anandi made an emotional appeal to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami asking for the mortal remains to be shifted to Kilpauk cemetery as per his last wish.

“In case I do not return alive, do final rites for my mortal remains as per our customs,” Anandi quoted him as saying.

In a video message, Anandi thanked the chief minister for the help and appreciated the government in their fight against COVID-19.

“My husband has been buried in a sealed coffin. We wish to transfer it from Velangadu to the cemetery at Kilpauk. Public can be assured that there is no scare of virus spread. I humbly request the chief minister to ensure that my husband’s last wishes are fulfilled,” said Anandi, breaking down into tears.

The widow's request was endorsed by the Archdioces of Madras & Mylapore and have offered full cooperation for the reburial as per the customs, in compliance with the Corporation's COVID 19 protocol.

During the wee hours of Monday, separate groups of residents at Kilpauk and Anna Nagar tried to deny an honourable burial for a doctor. At Velangadu near Anna Nagar, a mob attacked the ambulance carrying Dr Simon’s hearse, injuring three people. The body was finally buried with police protection around 3 am.

Dr Simon Hercules, a neurosurgeon and managing director of New Hope Medical Centre in Kilpauk, died in a private hospital after battling the novel coronavirus.

He had treated several patients with flu-like symptoms, but it is not clear from whom he contracted the virus.

Police had booked over 50 people and arrested as many of them for blocking the burial process at Velangadu besides attacking the hearse.