KOZHIKODE: Madathil Abdul Azeez is a familiar name both for natives of Olavanna and the police in Kozhikode. They call him whenever a decayed or unidentified body found. He started cleaning up the abandoned bodies from the age of 17 and after becoming a business person and ward member, he continues the charity work.
“The only time I will be upset after seeing a corpse will be when I deal with children’s bodies. Four years ago, in an accident in Malappuram district, a four-year-old boy was killed along with his parents and relatives. When we opened their coffins, the scene was shocking. The boy looked as if he was sleeping there. I still remember the colour of his dress,” Mr Azeez said.
In the previous local body election, he was elected from the 14th ward of Olavanna panchayat. From a local labourer, he has grown to a labour supply contractor of migrant workers and still he goes to places for digging up the corpses and helping the police during the inquest. He is 51 years old now and till date, he has cleaned 2,188 bodies.
Mr Azeez started his service when a small boy drowned in a river near his house. He was engaged in some menial job and immediately jumped into the river to save the kid. Though he could not save his life, Mr Azeez continued the service.
Now, he is ready to travel to any place at a phone call, without any fee, to carry out the cleaning of the bodies and prepare them ready for the inquest. In 2013, an Indian community organisation in the US honoured him with Amala Samoohya Samskruthi award and then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presented him with the award. Many other residents' associations and cultural groups also honoured him for his commendable social work. He will be available at any time on 9995778068.
