MP: Qazi seeks coronavirus link probe into some Indore deaths

Indore, Apr 10 () The number of people beingbrought for burial in graveyards in Indore in Madhya Pradeshhas increased and authorities must probe if these deaths had acoronavirus link, a senior religious authority said here onFriday, though the local administration said there didn't seemto be a connection to the outbreak.

Indore has 235 COVID-19 cases, including 26 who diedfrom the infection.

Speaking to , Indore's Shahar Qazi, Mohammad IshratAli said. "The Indore administration should compare figures ofarrival of janazas (funeral processions) at graveyards priorto imposition of curfew in the city (for the virus outbreak)and after, and find out what could be the reason for thesedeaths. Only after a probe would a clear picture emerge."

However, Indore Collector Manish Singh said, "It istrue that in some graveyards, the number of janazas hasincreased, but the exact cause behind these deaths will beknown only after medical examination. We have spoken withfamilies of the deceased, Shahar Qazi, clerics and localrepresentatives."

"These people had had no symptoms of coronavirus, likesneezing, cold and cough, prior to their deaths," Singh said.

He said Khajrana, Chandan Nagar and Hathipala are moreaffected with the outbreak, and these areas have been sealedand movement of people has been stopped.

On the high death rates due to the virus in the city,Singh said, "It is mainly because COVID-19 patients areinforming us late about the infection, despite constantlyappealing to the people to inform as soon as possible fortimely treatment."

The Shahar Qazi, meanwhile, said public addresssystems in 200 mosques are being used to ensure people followthe norms in place to combat the outbreak.

He also alleged some people suffering from heart andstomach ailments have been turned away by hospitals, and theyhad subsequently died. HWP MASBNM BNM