Karnataka: Minister To Perform Last Rites For 1,200 Unclaimed Bodies Of Covid Victims

In June, Minister Ashok took part in Asthivisarjan, a ritual to immerse the ashes of the 1,200 unclaimed COVID-19 victims.

Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashok

Chennai: The Karnataka government is conducting rituals for 1,200 unclaimed bodies of COVID-19 victims at Gosai Ghat of River Cauvery near Sriranganapattana in Mandya district of Karnataka on Monday. The Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashok will lead the "Pinda Pradana", a ritual using balls of cooked rice, ghee and sesame seeds, to offer to the ancestors, which is part of the Hindu funeral rites. 

Along with  Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashok, the ritual will be conducted in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district S Ashwathi, Under Secretary to Government Manjunath Prasad and Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Narayana Gowda. 

The ritual is expected to start at 8 am with worship of Lord Ganesh. After the ritual, the Minister is expected to offer prayers at Sri Ranganatheshwara temple and take part in another religious ceremony of the departed souls. Following this, Dr Bhanu Prakash Sharma, the incharge of the religious ceremony said that the dignitaries will have their lunch near the venue.   

In June, Minister Ashok took part in Asthivisarjan, a ritual to immerse the ashes of the 1,200 unclaimed COVID-19 victims. The ritual was held at River Cauvery near Sri Kashi Vishwanatheshwara temple in Mandya.

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Speaking at the event, the Minister said that disposing of the unclaimed bodies in the river is an inhumane act and hence we are conducting the mass ritual to immerse the ashes on their soil. He also requested people to not call the unclaimed bodies as "anatha shava" (orphaned bodies).

Also, he said he will soon pass an order directing the district deputy commissioner to entrust the unclaimed bodies with the Revenue Department.

With IANS inputs)