Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Jul 30: The death case of Hazel Mathias, a native of Shirva, who worked as a nurse in Al Miqua government hospital of Saudi Arabia, and who died in the residential quarters of the hospital on July 19, is still shrouded in mystery.
It is also learnt from hospital sources that a letter was found in her room. However, the Saudi authorities have not confirmed the same. The hospital sources have said that the letter was written in both Konkani, mother tongue of Hazel and English languages. However, the hospital authorities have denied disclosing the details of the contents of the letter.
Hazel spoke heartily with her dad, who works in Kuwait, on July 19. After this call, she had spoken to her brother who had gone to Mumbai to apply for a job. In the meantime, it is learnt that she wanted to speak to her mom, who resides in their family home at Kuthyaru but could not get connected to her. It is said that she expressed her unhappiness over not being able to speak to her mom, though she tried several times.
Hazel's last call was to her husband
The last call Hazel made before her death was to her husband Ashwin. According to Ashwin, she appeared to be normal during her conversation with him. Though Ashwin tried to reach her later that night, she did not pick the call. He thought that she might be busy with her work as she was on night duty. He tried calling her again on the following morning, but she did not receive his call.
It is learnt that Hazel did not face any issue in her workplace. She topped the recent examination conducted by the hospital with 90% marks. In addition, her service agreement was about to end this year and she had intended to come back to her native place for good.
Hazel had married Ashwin, a resident of Kuthyaru, two years ago after she fell in love with him. Ashwin had built a new house a few months before and Hazel had come to Kuthyaru for the housewarming ceremony and had stayed for 12 days.
Saudi police investigating the case
Saudi police are conducting the investigation with regards to the death of Hazel. However, they were not able to submit the report as no judge was available on Sunday, July 29. The Al Miqua hospital authorities have said to the power of attorney that it is not possible to divulge any details of Hazel's death till the police report is approved by the court.
"We want the reason behind the death of a bold lady, who had the capability to face any adverse situation in life. Justice should be done to her death. If the letter is available, we want the details to be divulged," says a well-wisher of the family of Hazel.
A delegation led by Fr Denis D'Sa, parish priest of Shirva Church paid a visit to Hazel's family home in Kuthyaru and offered the condolences. Fr D’Sa has also spoken to representatives of the government as well as Ravindranath Shanbaug, human rights activist for the speedy dispatch of Hazel's mortal remains from Saudi Arabia.
Udupi Human Rights Foundation helps
Ravindranath Shanbaug of Udupi Human Rights Foundation, on the request of Udupi district deputy commissioner and Fr Denis D’Sa, is putting in all efforts to bring the mortal remains of Hazel as soon as possible to India. The activists of the Human Rights Foundation who are based in Saudi are providing all required support.
The Human Rights Foundation had given all support in the earlier similar case of Jacintha Saldanha.