The Payyambalam Shanti crematorium in Kannur Corporation witnessed protests on Monday (April 21, 2025) as family members were forced to wait for hours to cremate relatives due to lack of firewood. ”
As company officials failed to provide timely support, some families had to arrange firewood and conduct ceremonies independently. Anger was sent out when employees allegedly delayed issuing receipts. “The officials just sat there and did nothing,” said Manoji, who attended the funeral, frustrated by the lack of action by the civic groups.
CPI (M) Regional Secretary KK Ragesh, Regional Secretary KP Sudhakaran, BJP State Secretary K. Ranjith and Northern Regional President KK Vinod Kumar visited the site after the protest.
Things became even more stressful when company secretary Vinu C. Kunhappan arrived at the crematorium. He was criticized by people on the scene, pointing to a lack of preparation and failure to arrange appropriate arrangements for the deceased. The company later arranged firewood and completed the pending cremation.
Mr Ritchie said the civic agency had granted the firewood contract to provide firewood to the crematorium, but the contract period was over. Despite the discovery of a new contractor, the company reportedly failed to sign the agreement. He added: “Companies should be more cautious. Even gas crematoriums are not working properly despite spending tens of millions of dollars.”
According to Hindu rituals, there are facilities for cremation. However, such a facility is no longer available. He added that the BJP will protest strongly against the company.
publishing – April 22, 2025 12:02 AM IST
