THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Uncertainty continued over the funeral of Fr K G Varghese who succumbed to COVID-19. The family of the priest gave permission to the government to cremate the body following opposition of the locals near Malamukal Orthodox church.

As there are only vaults in the cemetery of the Nalanchira Orthodox Church, it is not possible to bury as it is against COVID-19 protocol. The burial was later fixed to take place at the hilltop cemetery of Nanthancode but was opposed by the locals. Later his family thought to bury at his own parish in Kadambanadu Church, the health department did not permit as it was quite far.

The body was to be buried in the land near the Malamukal Orthodox church. There is an ongoing case in the high court regarding the illegal construction here. The locals opposed the burial before the case is settled. As the protest went on for hours, the officials returned without conducting the funeral. It was then that the family and church authorities considered other possibilities.

He may be buried in another cemetery of the Orthodox Church. The source of the priest’s illness remains a challenge. Those who attended on him at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Peroorkada Hospital are under observation..