Tension mounts over denial of ambulance to carry tribeswoman’s body in Wayanad

Tribal woman's body denied ambulance sparks protest; tribal promoter suspended, political blame game, arrests made in Wayanad.

The denial of an ambulance for the transportation of a tribeswoman’s body in Wayanad has escalated into a significant protest as tribal promoters besieged the Edavaka grama panchayat office on Wednesday demanding the revocation of a tribal promoter’s suspension linked to the incident.

The body of Chundamma, 76, a resident of Veetichal tribal hamlet in Edavaka panchayat, was transported to the crematorium in an autorickshaw on Monday (December 16) owing to the unavailability of an ambulance. It was reported that Chundamma’s relatives had requested an ambulance from the Scheduled Tribes Development department but in vain. Ultimately, they hired an autorickshaw to transport the body.

K. Mahesh, a local tribal promoter, was suspended in connection with the incident, but the protesters claimed that he was innocent, and that he was being made a scapegoat. They also demanded the resignation of a ward member who was accused of exacerbating the situation.

Tensions mounted as political parties exchanged blame, with the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) organising a march to the Tribal Development Office at Mananthavady protesting against the alleged negligence on the part of the department. They alleged that the department was responsible for providing free ambulance services for various needs, including funerals.

Activists of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) also staged a march to the grama panchayat office, demanding the resignation of the ward member concerned for the alleged denial of ambulance.

Meanwhile, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes O.R. Kelu announced on Wednesday that the tribal development officer concerned had been suspended for negligence.

Speaking to The Hindu, the Minister said some individuals had politicised the issue for personal gain. Mr. Mahesh had reportedly arrived at the scene on Monday morning after being informed of the death and had requested time to arrange for an ambulance. Although he secured a vehicle from the department by 4 p.m., it did not arrive in time due to technical issues. When locals hired an autorickshaw, Mr. Mahesh urged them to wait for the ambulance. The Minister also said that his suspension would be lifted.