Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 20: People coming into Karnataka from other states are being subjected to institutional quarantine. They have to compulsorily undergo 14-day quarantine and go home only after tests confirm that they are free of coronavirus infection.

A few persons who are quarantined in certain hotels in the city have alleged corrupt practices there. Some say that the officials are offering the lure of the option to people who are not interested to stay in quarantine, to go home if they are prepared to pay.

It is said that a few persons accommodated in Divya Residency hotel quarantine facility have accused of corrupt activities going on there. They say that even after three to four days since they were admitted there, neither any city corporation official, nor medical staff visited them nor anything was done to subject them to coronavirus test. As their patience was running out, they contacted an officer, who said that they can go home if they are prepared to shell out specific amount of money.

A television news channel said it has audio clip of the conversation of people in the quarantine with the said official. The audio also suggests that the official demanded payment of Rs 27,000 to allow a person to go home. The official is heard advising the person to pay to him and go home, and come back on the 12th day to get tested for the infection.

A senior official however expressed surprise, saying that record of everyone who is sent to quarantine is maintained. He said that if the names of officials are revealed they can be suspended immediately. He said that people coming from other states had been given the option of staying in hotels of their choice.

Some people quarantined in a hotel, expressing disappointment, said that room rentals of hotels have been jacked up unjustifiably and everything is charged exorbitantly. The so called good hotels too were found to be wanting in service and food quality.

Shiva Reddy from Secunderabad said that even after six days of their quarantine, they were not tested. BBMP special commissioner Surpur, has warned that hotels charging more than what is fixed will face stern action.