Thiruvananthapuram: A lawyer based in Kochi has lodged a complaint with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against Dr Ganapathy, a doctor from Kollam, for giving communal colour to the organ donation with the alleged malicious intention to target hospitals run by Muslim management in the state.
The complaint was filed by Sandeep RN, a prominent lawyer based in Kochi, who accused Dr Ganapathy of promoting disharmony and spreading communalism in the state.
Dr Ganapathy, a 75-year-old doctor who recently gained attention as a whistle-blower in a high-profile organ transplant case, made headlines again when his interviews took a communal turn. He allegedly stated in an interview with Karma News, a right-wing web portal, that no brain deaths were reported among the Muslim community due to major hospitals being predominantly owned by Muslims themselves.
The complaint, citing Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, emphasized that Dr Ganapathy's remarks aimed to incite hatred and create divisions among different religious communities. Sandeep RN, representing Crusade Lawyers & Solicitors, stated that Dr Ganapathy's statement not only undermined the credibility of the medical profession but also fueled mistrust and suspicion among communities. By making sweeping generalizations based on religious affiliation, the doctor was accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to an atmosphere of fear and hostility.
Furthermore, the complaint highlighted the responsibility of Karma News as a media outlet to exercise caution and verify sensitive statements before publishing them. It emphasized the importance of upholding journalistic integrity and promoting accurate and unbiased reporting.
The complaint urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against both Dr Ganapathy and Karma News for their alleged roles in propagating communalism and potentially damaging the organ donation campaign in society.
Organ donation is considered a critical issue that requires unity and collaboration. Any attempt to create divisions along religious lines undermines the noble efforts of countless individuals and organizations working towards saving lives.