Dead body takes more space on flight: Karnataka BJP MLA
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Bengaluru: A BJP lawmaker's errant statement that "a dead body takes up more space in a flight" has invited criticism across the state.
Arvind Bellad, MLA for the Hubli-Dharwad constituency, made the statement in the context of continuing evacuation from Ukraine.
The grieving family of Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagowda, killed in Russian shell attack early this week, is still waiting for his mortal remains.
Arvind Bellad said where a coffin accommodated on the flight nearly 8 to 10 people could be taken onboard.
The lawmaker was asked by reporters about the uncertainty over bringing home Naveen's body to Haveri, his hometown.
"The government is putting in effort to bring back the mortal remains of Naveen. Ukraine is a war zone and everyone is aware of it. Efforts are being made and if possible, the body will be brought back," Mr Bellad told reporters.
Where evacuating the living is a challenge, it is even more difficult to bring home the dead, he said adding that a dead body would consume more space on the flight.
According to him Prime Minister Narendra Modi was making all efforts to bring back Naveen's body.
Talking to NDTV, Naveen's father Shekharappa Gyanagowda told NDTV on Wednesday of being assured by the government about bringing the body "within two days".
He said he had requested both PM Modi and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to help bring his son's body home, NDTV reported.
Naveen, 21, a medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University, was killed in Russian shell attack when he was waiting in a queue before a grocery store.
