Kannur District Collector P. Vishnuraj has ordered a detailed inquiry into the transportation of the body of R. Rajesh, a rescue volunteer from Thiruvananthapuram, who died during rescue operations in the Kariyangode river at Meenthulli, near Cherupuzha.Additional District Magistrate P.N. Purushothaman has been directed to investigate the circumstances under which the body was transported up to Chavakkad in Thrissur in a vehicle without freezer facilities, and submit a report.The order follows allegations of serious negligence in handling the body of the rescuer who lost his life while saving others during the recent floods. It is alleged that Rajesh’s body, which had not been embalmed, was transported from the Kannur Government Medical College Hospital, Pariyaram, in an ambulance without a freezer unit before being shifted to another ambulance at Chavakkad for the onward journey to his home in Thiruvananthapuram.The Special Branch has also begun an inquiry into the incident. CCTV footage showing the body being transferred from one ambulance to another on the roadside has surfaced. Ambulance drivers Mohammed Niyas and Mohammed Tanveer have reportedly disclosed details of the alleged lapses.Rajesh died while attempting to rescue one Benny from the swollen Kariyangode river at Meenthulli. Despite the strong currents, he helped bring Benny close to safety. Rajesh swam across the river to reach him and even removed his own life jacket and gave it to Benny to prevent him from being swept away by the undercurrents. However, he was subsequently swept away and died during the operation.Rajesh had earlier participated in rescue operations during several major disasters in Kerala. Published - August 06, 2026 09:11 pm IST