Why Is Police Mum On 'Covid Guideline Violation' By Odisha Minister, MLA: Jagannath Sena

Puri: Jagannath Sena, a Puri-based outfit led by Priyadarshan Pattnaik on Tuesday alleged that Puri police is not taking action against State minister Samir Dash and Satyabadi MLA Uma Samantaray despite knowing the fact that both of them violated Covid-19 guidelines during the funeral of MLA Pradeep Maharathy at Puri Swargadwar.

Staging a protest with the Sena members, Patnaik alleged that minister Samir Dash is lying that he has not been infected with Covid-19. Holding placards and shouting slogans, the outfit also protested against Puri Superintendent of Police (SP).

Earlier, Pattnaik had lodged a complaint at Sea Beach Police Station in Puri against minister Dash and MLA Uma Samantray for attending the funeral of party stalwart Maharathy at Swargadwar cremation ground on Sunday despite being tested positive for COVID-19.

“The minister was tested positive, but he is trying to hide the fact. Why is Puri police silent on this matter after registering a station diary,” questioned Pattnaik.

He said a report of the Covid-19 test results which were conducted on September 27 prior to the commencement of the State Assembly's monsoon session has been submitted to Puri SP for necessary action.

“Legal action should be taken against Dash and Samantaray for violating Covid-19 rules,” Patnaik demanded while questioning the cremation of Maharathy at Swargadwar.

“Maharathy was infected with Covid-19 and succumbed to the virus. Then how his last rites were allowed to be performed here,” he said.

Also Read | ‘Corona Tu Pherija’ Bags Two Awards At Covid-19 International Tribal Film Festival