Bengaluru: Health workers, policemen allegedly attacked by mob of about 200 locals, 59 arrested

At least 59 people have been taken into custody on Monday for attacking health officials and policemen at the minority dominated Padarayanapura in Bengaluru when they had gone to isolate some people, said police.

"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 huge number of people, mainly youth poured on to the street and thrashed the health workers who had gone there to isolate some people who were believed to have come in contact with coronavirus patients.

The officials were allegedly beaten up very badly. Some locals who went to rescue these officials were also beaten up.

As maintained by police, one among the arrested is a women identified as Firoza who had allegedly incited the mob to attack.

Following this, a huge number of police officials were disposed in the area to prevent any unexpected happening and to isolate those who are suspected to be infectedwith Covid-19.

Blowing sirens, a strong contingent of policemen carried out a flag march in the area.

The city police commissioner Bhaskar Rao later called on CM BS Yediyurappa and updated him about the situation.

The incident triggered widespread criticism from various quarters.

Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated that an incident like this will not be condoned.

"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.

Basavaraj Bommai, who paid a visit to the area took the senior police officer to task not being thare on the spot when the incident happened.

"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.

Criticising the incident, B Srimulu, the health minister of the state 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 MP Shobha Karandlaje also 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.

In the meanwhile, Congress state president DK Shivakumar also persuade the people to help in identifying the coronavirus patients and carriers.

Padarayanapura and Bapuji Nagar were among the first areas to be completely cordoned off as people were not complying with the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC.

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