Siddaramaiah govt is corrupt; Congress will be uprooted from Karnataka: PM Modi

Bengaluru, Jun 28: Criminal cases will be lodged against people for not adhering to the COVID-19 protocol in the city, said a top police official on Sunday.

"Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and BBMP (officials) are on the streets to enforce wearing of mask and social distancing. Warnings now, criminal cases will follow," said Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao.

He exhorted people to insist on everybody wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

"Urge every Bengalurean to enforce mask enforcement and social distancing. If people argue, call 100. We are ready to respond to your calls," said Rao.

Assuring the city residents, he said one should not worry about others being high and mighty while making sure everybody follows the Covid precautions.

"Don't bother about high and mighty factor, whosoever it is, just tell people around you to wear mask and not hanging around neck," said the Commissioner.

On Saturday, DCP Rohini Katoch Sepat conducted a special drive to ensure everybody is following the Covid rules.

"Conducted a special drive along with BBMP marshals, imposed fine for not wearing mask and social distancing," said Sepat.

The senior police officer had also sealed down some shops for not conforming to the social distancing directions.

Sepat personally made announcements through a megaphone, spoke to shopkeepers, pedestrians and walked the streets in enforcing the rules.

Similarly, Rao also warned commercial establishments of raids and legal action in the event of Covid rules violation.

"Shops, malls, banks, hotels, offices and establishments. All of you are already aware of precautions to be taken. If you do not implement mask wearing and ensure safe distance, city police will raid and initiate legal action," asserted Rao.

On Friday, Bengaluru North DCP Shashi Kumar closed down some shops which did not follow Covid rules and rewarded some shopkeepers who adhered to them with roses.

Bengaluru, Jul 3: Over 35 acres of land in nine villages on the outskirts of Bengaluru have been earmarked for burial and cremation of bodies of COVID-19 victims after concerns were raised over the safety of funerals being held in burial grounds located in residential areas.

Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District GN Shivamurthy issued an order setting apart about 35.5 acres in the villages under four Taluks of Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Anekal and Yelahanka.

The order directed the respective Tahsildars to register these chunks of land as reserved for burial grounds and not to use for any purpose.

According to the sources in the district administration, Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu and Revenue Minister R Ashoka had directed the officials to identify places on the city outskirts to dispose of the bodies of COVID-19 victims.

Mr Sriramulu had on Wednesday said COVID-19 victims will not be laid to rest in burial grounds in the city and separate places will be earmarked on the outskirts in the backdrop of safety concerns raised by public.

He had also warned against unscientific disposal of used Personal Protection Equipment kits worn by the families of the victim for the final rites, referring to reports about such instances.

In some places, people have also expressed concern over bodies of those who died of the coronavirus being buried in their neighbourhood.

New Delhi, Jul 7: Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao's wife Tabu Gundu Rao informed that four of their employees have tested positive for coronavirus.

"Well sadly our PA, one more Gunman and 2 house staff tested positive. We are all thankfully negative but in isolation and quarantine for 10 to 14 days from today, to check if we develop symptoms as we are primary contacts to them. Hopefully we should get through this," Tabu tweeted.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 23,474 coronavirus cases in Karnataka including 13,255 and 372 deaths.