The Hindu : National : HIV victim’s house gutted

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Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008
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HIV victim’s house gutted

Staff Reporter

Family suspects arson; couple alleges attempt to ostracise them

Husband and wife tested HIV+ eight months ago
Family has been homeless for three days

MALAPPURAM: Kuzhippalli Dinesan and his family are without a home since Saturday. His home, a makeshift thatched shed at Peringavu in Cherukavu panchayat, burned down on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Dinesan, 45, suspects arson. For he and his wife have been tested HIV positive.

Mr. Dinesan told The Hindu here on Monday that his house was gutted as part of a series of moves by a section to ostracise his family. “Where else shall I go with my wife and two children,” he sobbed, tears welling up in his eyes.

His house was not registered with the grama panchayat. So he is unlikely to get any compensation from the authorities. He lodged a complaint with the police and met District Collector Sumana N. Menon on Monday.

The Collector offered him an immediate aid of Rs.1,000 from her salary and asked the officials to make an inquiry. The police have not registered a case. Although the police investigated the incident, they could not say whether the fire was accidental or not. Mr. Dinesan could not name any suspect either. Homeless for three days, Mr. Dinesan and family continue to knock at different doors for help. “We lost everything but a pair of clothes,” he said. His children lost books and study materials.

“We cannot live without mosquito nets,” he said. Being HIV positive, he and his wife are highly sensitive to mosquito bites. A bite can cause rashes and heavy swelling. But his children, both HIV-free, have no problem. Mr. Dinesan learned that he and his wife were HIV positive about eight months ago. He apparently got infected through blood transfusion. He did not hesitate to declare that he was a carrier, thanks to the support he got from the Malappuram District Network of Positive People (MDNP+), a body of HIV victims offering counselling and help to HIV positive group.

M. Nagaraj, a MNDP+ volunteer demanded an inquiry into the burning of Mr. Dinesan’s house. He said it was dangerous to ostracise HIV positive people. “If they are ostracised, they will hide their HIV status and continue to spread the virus. Allow them to lead a normal life without infecting anyone further,” said Mr. Nagaraj.

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