The Greater Chennai Corporation will investigate allegations that grieving families were charged Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for burials at Kannagi Nagar in Ward 196, despite civic rules requiring burial and cremation services to be provided free of charge across the Corporation’s 200 wards.
Residents told DT Next that the alleged collections at the Christian and Muslim burial grounds, as well as the crematorium in the Sholinganallur zone, had continued for more than a decade. They also complained that repeated representations to civic officials had not stopped the practice.
The facilities reportedly lack basic amenities, including usable toilets, tap water and adequate lighting. During a visit by DT Next, both burial grounds were found to be poorly maintained, with bushes and weeds covering parts of the premises. Residents raised concerns about snakes and rodents, while debris was reported on the floors and plumbing was damaged. The absence of high-mast lights has also made the sites difficult to access after dark.
Residents said the area was part of Okkiyam Thoraipakkam Village Panchayat until it was brought under the GCC 15 years ago. However, they alleged that officials continued to cite the former panchayat administration when complaints were raised. One resident said zonal officials had claimed that no Corporation workers were available for the facilities.
K Murugan, a resident, alleged that sanitary inspectors, sanitary officers and the Sholinganallur Zonal Health Officer had failed to act on complaints about the collections. He also alleged that workers demanded cash and, when relatives asked to make digital payments, directed them to transfer money to a nearby kiosk’s GPay account instead of providing an official payment number.
C Premkumar of Ezhil Nagar said workers demanded Rs 5,000 after his grandmother died the previous month. Following the intervention of a GCC official, an order was issued to return the Rs 500 paid in advance, he said, but the workers continued visiting his house to seek payment.
Residents also alleged that the gasifier crematorium, inaugurated in 2025, was initially operated free of charge. According to one resident, a banner displaying complaint helpline numbers was later removed. Murugan alleged that a private contractor continued collecting fees at the crematorium despite complaints seeking a change of contractor.
The Christian burial ground also reportedly contains a disused shed that once housed a plastic baling unit. Residents said it had been filled with rubble, dirt and construction waste and was allegedly converted into an informal cowshed. They further alleged that iron rods from the structure were being removed and sold as scrap.
A senior Corporation official told DT Next that complaints against people demanding money would be investigated. The official said residents should file complaints against those collecting the money and that disciplinary action would be taken, adding that the matter would be discussed with local officials and necessary action initiated.
