Chennai: Tamilnadu government has denied a request by Anandi Simon, wife of Dr Simon Hercules (55), to rebury his body as per their ‘traditions’.
According to sources, the State government had received a plea from Anandi Simon to have a ‘traditional reburial’ for Dr Simon after he was denied dignity in death as a mob unleashed violence at the cemetery on 19 March. Moreover, his last wish that his body should be buried at the Kilpauk Cemetery.
Dr Simon was a neurosurgeon and served as managing director of a private hospital in Kilpauk. He was recently tested positive for Coronavirus and was admitted to a private hospital at Vanagaram. He passed away earlier this week.
Anandi Simon requested the government that his body be exhumed from a public cemetery run by the Chennai Corporation and transferred to Kilpauk cemetery. The church had however stated that the cemetery was full and fresh burial cannot be taken anymore.
Meanwhile, the government has denied her request. Sources said practical difficulties were the reason behind the decision.