Wayanad: The body of an elderly tribal woman was taken to the crematorium in Mananthavady in an autorickshaw after waiting for hours for an ambulance. The body of Chundamma of Vetichal Uur in Edavaka panchayat was wrapped in a mat and taken to the crematorium four kilometers away from her home in an autorickshaw.

Chundamma died around 10 am on Sunday. An ambulance was called to take the body to the crematorium, but it was not available. The body was then taken in an autorickshaw in the evening. The UDF workers in the area staged a protest against the incident in front of the tribal office on Monday morning. The tribal promoter of the area was subsequently suspended.

The Scheduled Castes Department officer said that further investigation will be conducted into the matter. 

The body was taken to the house from the hospital. However, they are investigating why an ambulance was not made available in time to take her to the crematorium. Locals say that they waited until 4 pm for the ambulance to arrive. The issue came to light after the UDF protested.