Delhi: A serious allegation against Rajya Sabha MP and former union minister Alphons Kannanthanam for bringing his mother's body to Kerala for funeral without revealing she died of COVID-19 in Delhi was brought to light by social worker Jomon Puthenpurackal through a Facebook post. Reacting to the allegation, Kannanthanam has posted a clarification in his Facebook page.

Explaining about his mother’s death, Kannanthanam said his mother tested positive for COVID on May 28 and was admitted to the ICU of AIIMS. But the repeat COVID tests on June 5 and June 10 were negative. Kannanthanam further explained that though she turned negative in the test, her vital organs were damaged and her lung collapsed due to COVID.

Kannanthanam, in the post, says that it is not right to say his mother died of Covid. She did not die of Covid but due to heart seizure. She died because COVID destroyed her vital organs and that his mother was healthy at 91. He also appealed to all to leave his family alone as they are trying to help the hungry people through 'Mothers Meal’ project.

The incident came to light after Alphons Kannanthanam revealed in a video that his mother died of COVID-19. Following this, Jomon Puthenpurackal alleged through a Facebook post that he was surprised to know that the body of a COVID-19 patient has been brought to Kerala from Delhi via flight and kept for public homage even when COVID protocol exists.