Kin allege organ theft, COVID victim’s body exhumed

The victim identified as Salim, a goldsmith from Nehru Nagar in Pattukottai, had died after getting infected by coronavirus on June 29. According to sources, Salim developed complications in breathing and was admitted to a private hospital in Pattukottai, on July 20, where tests later confirmed he had COVID-19.

As Salim’s breathing problems got more complicated, he died around 4 am on July 29 and his body was handed over to his relatives at 4 pm the same day. Salim was buried at 6 pm in the burial ground attached to a mosque in Pattukottai.

Meanwhile, Sharmila, wife of Salim, and her two children, submitted a petition to Thanjavur District Administration claiming that they suspected foul play in Salim’s death. They said that as Salim’s name was not in the list of persons who died of COVID-19 and as there was a 12-hour gap in handing over the body, his organs might have been stolen.

Based on the petition, the body of Salim was exhumed in the presence of Pattukottai Tahsildar Dharanika and doctors from Thanjavur Government Medical College hospital carried out another post-mortem examination on the spot. Sources said that the new post-mortem report would be submitted to the Tahsildar who will hand it over to the Collector and he will make the report public. The process will take around 15 days, sources added.