Malappuram: The death of four inmates within two days at the government-run old age home at Thavanur here has raised suspicion and sparked public outrage. Local people prevented the bodies from being taken out and demanded a probe.

Two women and two men have died within two days. Three inmates had died at the old age home itself while a third one passed away in hospital. Maravancheri-native Sreedevi, who died on Sunday, was buried on the same day. But information on three other deaths trickled out only on Monday morning.

Local people say it's suspicious that the deaths are kept confidential and the bodies buried in a hurry. They sought an inquiry into deaths that were recorded as natural earlier.

The State Human Rights Commission has taken a suo moto case. The district collector and the police chief have been asked to submit reports within three weeks. Commission member K Mohan Kumar has also asked for a report on the healthcare facilities, the quality and safety of food and data on employees at the shelter.