Were following up on suspect case
Mosque announcement provoked mob
Arrest miscreants, orders DyCM
BENGALURU:
‘Asha’ health workers in the city were attacked for collecting information on persons showing symptoms of fever. The incident took place on Wednesday and came to light on Thursday after some posts went viral on social media.
Documents with the Asha workers were allegedly torn by the assailants.
The incident happened when Asha workers had gone to Sadiq Colony on Thanisandra main road, Sarayipalya, in Hegde Nagar, from where a suspected coronavirus case had been reported.
Asha worker Krishnaveni said an announcement was made from a mosque telling people not to provide any details or mobile numbers to the Asha workers.
TIGHT BANDOBAST
City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said, “The police have gone to the location. We will initiate action once a complaint is received.”
Meanwhile, the police have tightened security in the locality.
The incident shows that health workers are being viewed with suspicion by locals. They have been advised not to force people to provide details.
DyCM TALKS TOUGH
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan visited the Asha workers’ homes in Hegde Nagar. He said, “Health workers had gone for surveillance to Sadiq Nagar. A mosque made an announcement telling the residents of Sadiq Nagar to surround the health workers, who were manhandled by the mob.”
“They were on surveillance duty since a maid in the locality was infected and has been declared positive now. That being the case, they had gone for surveillance of the area, visiting each and every house and collecting details. Otherwise, they may have been blamed for not doing their duty. Following the announcement from the mosque, they were surrounded and manhandled,” he said.
The Deputy CM added, “This incident has completely demoralised the health workers. So far, a case has not been registered. We have directed the police to register a case and arrest those responsible for the instigation and those who manhandled the health staff. They should be arrested and taught a lesson. Otherwise, this will send a wrong message. We have instructed the concerned officials to act in the matter without wasting any time.”
