Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
With inputs from IANS

Bengaluru, Apr 20: “Lockdown in the state is going to continue till May 3. Government is all set to control the coronavirus pandemic in the state with more stringent action,” said B S Yediyurappa, chief minister of the state.

Yediyurappa was speaking to the reporters after holding a cabinet meeting in the same regard. He further said, “We will take severe action on the people involved in the incident that occurred at Padarayanapura on Sunday, April 19. Assault on health workers will not be tolerated at any cost. If the same incident occurs in states like Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, it is a crime under law. We have taken decision to bring an ordinance to this effect in the state also.

“We will take out ordinance in this respect. We are taking this action keeping in mind the health condition of health professionals. All the erring people are acting as if they do not care the law. This will not be tolerated. Already 54 people are arrested in this connection.

“Goondaism has taken place in Padarayanapura. Police is informed to take severe legal action in order to control law and order. We will arrest some more miscreants tomorrow. Police is given full power. Government will never tolerate goondaism in the state.”

“Government is going to take severe action with regards to the Padarayanapura incident that occurred in the city," he said. 

Earlier, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J.C. Madhuswamy said, "The lockdown will continue till May 3. No partial relaxation from Tuesday in non-confinement areas as announced earlier (April 18)."

The cabinet, however, decided to allow agriculture, horticulture and floriculture sectors to function along with essential goods and supplies units. "There will be no restriction on agriculture, including farming, harvesting, transportation of fruits and vegetable to markets," Madhuswamy said.

Rolling back lockdown relaxations from April 21, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday banned bike rides and IT-BT employees working from office, particularly in Bengaluru.

Extending the 21-day lockdown from April 15 to May 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 said areas out of the coronavirus hotspots would be allowed to open up partially for necessary activities.

However, the Karnataka cabinet decided to continue the total lockdown without any relaxation to curb coronavirus spread.

Five more coronavirus case are reported in the state on Monday, April 20. Now the total infected cases have gone upto 395. The number of deaths in the state has gone upto 16.