A staffer attached to the mortuary at Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore was suspended on Friday for reportedly demanding ₹2,000 cash to send the body of deceased for postmortem.

The suspended staff was identified as R. Kannan. Initial inquiry revealed that victim B. Velu, a tribal from Palambattu village atop Peechamanthai hillock, requested Kannan to send the body of his relative K. Saravanan, who died in the village a few days ago, for postmortem.

Health officials said that Kannan reportedly demanded ₹2,000 cash for the purpose. The video of the incident went viral on social media and invited public outcry.

Subsequently, an inquiry was conducted by hospital authorities. Based on the orders of Collector P.S. Leela Alex, Rohini Devi, dean of the hospital, issued a suspension order against the mortuary staff. A probe is under way.