Thread: For our latest piece, tried to get monthly death figures for 2019 and 2020 to spot any “excess” deaths. Began with Bombay, where a junior BMC officer obliged within hours. One phone call to a person I had spoken to once before. 1/
The figures for May showed a big spike.
May 2019: 6832
May 2020: 12,963 (Covid deaths 2269)
Later, I called the BMC chief for a comment. He took my call, gave me additional data and answered my questions. 2/
May 2019: 6832
May 2020: 12,963 (Covid deaths 2269)
Later, I called the BMC chief for a comment. He took my call, gave me additional data and answered my questions. 2/
Next I tried Chennai. Data was shared almost immediately (except for June which wasn't an updated figure). 3/
Delhi: I tried the MCD first, was told to try the crematoriums. Then I tried the registrar of death under Delhi govt - phone calls, emails, messages to multiple people in that office. *Crickets*. 4/
Finally called in a favour from an unrelated source who pulled strings in the government to get me that data. Only got a consolidated figure, not a monthly break-up. 5/
My colleague who tried Kolkatta got nothing.
This is what IS Chahal, the BMC chief told me, "We've been transparent. Let other states show this courage."
Withholding information from journalists and thus public is not a good look folks. 6/
This is what IS Chahal, the BMC chief told me, "We've been transparent. Let other states show this courage."
Withholding information from journalists and thus public is not a good look folks. 6/
