Kerala: Dramatic scenes at Lawrence’s funeral

Kerala: Dramatic scenes at Ernakulam Town Hall during the funeral of senior CPM leader M.M. Lawrence. Tension arose when his daughter Asha Lawrence and his son were standing near the body saying that they will not hand over the body to the medical college. CPM tried to forcefully change them. Activists and leaders also tried. Activists were standing near the body and raising slogans. During the argument, daughter Asha Lawrence fell on the ground. Later the body was taken to the Medical College Hospital. Asha Lawrence had approached the court and demanded that the body should not be handed over to the medical college. The High Court intervened in the petition and clarified that under the Anatomy Act, Kalamassery Medical College can take the final decision.

The High Court said that the affidavits of both the sons and the objection of daughter Asha Lawrence should be considered and the High Court directed that the case be transferred to Kalamassery Medical College for temporary storage till a decision is taken in this regard. Accordingly, after paying official respects, they tried to move to the medical college. During this time, Asha stood near the body with her son. She hugged the body and started crying profusely. Meanwhile, women workers of CPM were standing near the body and raising slogans. Meanwhile, force was used on Asha Lawrence’s son. While shaking hands, the son and Asha fell on the ground. Both of them were forcibly removed and the body was taken to the medical college under police protection.