Confusion over cremation

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, AUG. 23. Ever since the Union Power Minister, Mr. P. R. Kumaramangalam, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on August 12 and slipped into a coma, his condition, described by doctors as ``critical'', had caused concern. The end came early this morning.

Throughout the seven-day period that Mr. Kumaramangalam was in the ICU of this premier institute, he had been on a ventilator and dialysis machine. His vital organs had deteriorated and doctors yesterday said there was a further deterioration in his condition. Therefore, the family members seemed to have become mentally prepared for the inevitable.

It was decided to embalm the body because of swelling of various organs. Simultaneously, preparations started at his official residence, 30 Aurangzeb Road, for keeping the body for public view.

Initially, there was some confusion over cremation with some of his friends and relatives claiming that his body would be flown to Tiruchi - Mr. Kumaramangalam's constituency - but the rumours were set at rest when it was officially announced that the cremation would be held only in New Delhi.

Hundreds of his supporters and friends gathered at the official residence mourning the death of their leader. As soon as the body was brought to the official residence, it was taken to the main hall where rites were performed according to the Hindu tradition.

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Section  : National
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