Humanitarian gesture in Udupi: last rites performed for three unidentified persons who died without relatives

Udupi : In a deeply moving humanitarian gesture, three unidentified persons who had been rescued earlier from different parts of Udupi district but later succumbed despite medical treatment were given a dignified final farewell after no relatives came forward to claim their bodies. The last rites were performed at Beedinagudde under the leadership of social worker Vishu Shetty Ambalpady, highlighting a compassionate effort to ensure dignity even in death.

According to available information, the deceased included a 45-year-old man identified as Kuttam and another unidentified person aged around 40, both of whom were rescued from areas under Udupi and Malpe police station limits. A third elderly person was rescued from Udupi town limits and was later admitted to the Hosabelaku Ashram for care and treatment. Unfortunately, all three individuals failed to respond to medical treatment and passed away over the past month.

Following their deaths, authorities preserved the bodies at the district hospital mortuary and issued public notices through media channels in an attempt to trace family members or relatives. Despite repeated efforts and waiting for a considerable period, no relatives or acquaintances came forward to claim the bodies.

With no one to perform the last rites, Vishu Shetty, who had originally rescued the individuals, stepped forward once again to ensure they received a respectful cremation. With the assistance of Udupi and Malpe police, all legal formalities were completed before conducting the final rites at Beedinagudde.

Several individuals and organisations extended support for the humanitarian effort. Krishna from Ambalpady provided a JCB for the cremation arrangements, while Hosabelaku Ashram chief Tanul, Ramdas Palan from Udyavara and Shaji Ambulance Services assisted with transportation and logistics.

Speaking about the initiative, Vishu Shetty said, “I have been serving abandoned and destitute persons for many years. We have helped several individuals receive medical treatment without accepting any money. Everything has been done through personal effort and support from like-minded people.”

He further added, “These three persons had no one to call their own. Since we had rescued them and cared for them during their final days, it was our responsibility to ensure they received a dignified farewell. With the help of the police and volunteers, we performed their last rites.”

The incident has drawn attention to the plight of abandoned and destitute individuals in society and highlighted the importance of compassion and community support. Vishu Shetty’s efforts have been widely appreciated as an example of humanity, ensuring that even those without family or identity are not denied dignity in their final moments.