An investigation is underway regarding the death of a homeless man who was burned alive by a group of unknown assailants in Bogota last week, local media reported on Friday.
Marco Tulio Sevillano, also known by the nickname “Calidoso”, was doused with gasoline and set alight by a group of strangers while he was sleeping amongst other homeless people near Bogota’s Javeriana University on Friday May 2, El Tiempo newspaper reported.
Calidoso succumbed to his extensive injuries and passed away due to massive organ failure after spending six days at the San Ignacio hospital.
According to Blu Radio, Calidoso’s dog and his three cats were also burned to death in the gasoline attack.
Colombia’s Inspector General, Alejandro Ordoñez, has warned that Calidoso’s murder is an indication of the authorities’ failure to keep homeless people safe, Caracol Radio reported
“It’s an expression of cruelty that draws our attention in many aspects. It makes us reflect on the public policy of the homeless,” Ordoñez said.
“As a society we grieve, and we are shocked, but we must also draw attention to the duties of institutional protection to the inhabitants of the street. If there are people [living] in the street, it has great social and political significance,” he added.
A group of students from Javeriana University are determined that Calidoso’s murder does not go unpunished. A wave of indignation about the attack has occurred on social media, with various Facebook groups springing up in dedication to Calidoso, El Tiempo reported.
Sources
- La historia de ‘Calidoso’, el hombre quemado vivo cerca a la Javeriana (El Tiempo)
- Fiscalía asumio investigacion por caso de habitante de la calle, quemado vivo (El Espectador)
- Recompensa de $20 millones por informacion de asesinato de ‘Calidoso’ (El Espectador)
- Procurador lamento tragica muerte de ‘El Calidoso’ (Caracol Radio)