Bengaluru, Apr 20: As many as 59 people were arrested on Monday for attacking police and health officials at the minority dominated Padarayanapura in the city when they went to quarantine some people, police said.
"Fifty-nine people have been arrested (in Padarayanapura) and have been taken into custody. The people attacked the officials who had gone to quarantine some poeple who were the primary and secondary contacts of three COVID-19 patients," a police officer said.
A large number of people, mostly youth from the minority community poured on to the road on Sunday and thrashed the health workers who had gone to quarantine some people who were the primary and secondary contacts of the health workers.
The officials were allegedly beaten black and blue.
Some local residents who went to the rescue of these officials were also thrashed.
According to police, one among the arrested is a woman by name Firoza who had allegedly instigated the mob to attack the health and police officials.
Subsequently, a large number of police personnel were deployed in the area to avert any untoward incident and to quarantine those who are suspected to be infected with COVID- 19.
Blowing sirens, a strong contingent of policemen carried out a flag march in the area.
The Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao later called on Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and briefed him about the situation in Padayarayanapura.
The violent incident drew angry reactions from various quarters.
Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said an incident like the one at Padayarayanapura will not be tolerated.
"I met Chief Minister and briefed him about the incident. He has told us to act strictly. I have told the same to my officials. We won't tolerate such acts by anyone. We have arrested 59 people. Five FIRs have been registered," the minister told reporters.
Bommai, who visited the area took the senior police officials to task for not being present on the spot when the incident took place.
"Where were you? What were you doing when the incident happened?" he questioned a senior police officer.
"We will demonstrate to the people what is containment zone, what is seal down and what is police action," he said.
Condemning the incident, Health Minister B Srimulu warned those who indulged in such activities.
"The inhuman act of attacking police and health workers in Padarayanapura is highly deplorable. Our government will take appropriate step against those indulging in the attack on health officials and police officials who had gone there to protect them," he tweeted.
BJP's firebrand MP Shobha Karandlaje reacted sharply.
"Seculars attack #CoronaWarriors when they were quarantining the secondary contacts of #Covid19 in Padarayanapura of BLR. While #HealthcareHeroes are working overnight to contain #CoronaPandemic, these morons are assaulting our heroes! Let's not be soft on these anti- nationals!" Karandlaje tweeted.
Meanwhile, the minority leaders called on Congress state president D K Shivakumar to persuade the people of the minority community to assist in identifying the COVID-19 patients or carriers.
Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy too condemned the attack and demanded stringent action against the culprits.
The Congress MLA from the area B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan while condemning the incident, sought to know why the health workers and police officials went to the area late in the night and not in the morning.
"Why did the police and the health workers go in the night when I had told the BBMP Commissioner that I will take them at 10 am?" Khan told reporters.
Defending those who attacked the government officials, Khan said they were uneducated labourers who didn't know what they were doing.
Padarayanapura and Bapuji Nagar were among the first areas to be completely sealed as people were not abiding by the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC.
Comments
Hats off to the above teamwork
A wonderful selfless act. He must have been a compassionate person.
Oh, my heart breaks for the family. My family also had to make the decision to donate my niece's organs. For me personally it was one of the most healing things knowing she had saved so many lives but I do often wonder how/where these people are.
Selflessness - the stuff of real heroes.
As a recipient of a heart just over two years ago I am eternally grateful for those who make this decision. I can continue to be a son, a husband, and a father to two small children.
My brother passed unexpectedly on 24th February 2015, he too donated his organs. His selfless act has helped us, as a family to know he breaths through another & has assisted at least four other recipients & their families last year. We would love to reach out to the recipients on his 1yr memorial but understand the sensitivity for some and respect their privacy but it's hard.... I know it would mean the world to mum & dad to meet them & would greatly assist in their healing. I wish there was a 'tick box' option to opt in for communication between families.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends on his passing. Organ donation is a befitting gesture to honour this young man. With much love to you all at his difficult time.
Feel sorry for the man and his family...life is unpredictable.
RIP!!! You r a real hero buddy...
these idiots will construct green corridors with lot of potholes. do practical and proper work rather than bs talk
Why drones flying at low heights in some Specific colour can not be used for Organ Transportation?
At times the Mangalore Police makes us proud and kudos to the team that coordinated with the transplant team of one and all.
Very good. Appreciated the good work Police department
he has shown that humanity does still exist in India. well done,. May Almighty Bless him , this deceased Son as well as the patients who received the organs. Kudos ot medical fraternity along with police who made this happen
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