Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (EP/DV)
Beltangady, Apr 25: A mass wedding programme was planned at Punjalkatte here on Sunday, April 25 under the leadership of BJP Dakshina Kannada district leader and zilla panchayat (ZP) member Tungappa Bangera in violation of the weekend curfew and other regulations announced by the state government to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The event angered the locals who expressed ire at the zilla panchayat member and the police for not taking action.
The wedding programme was held gathering hundreds of people in the midst of weekend curfew, and allegedly without maintaining social distance. The video of the programme has gone viral on social media. There is strong criticism against district panchayat member Tungappa Bangera as the programme was held when the country is suffering from an oxygen crisis that has resulted in thousands of deaths.
Incidentally, the mass weddings were held right in front of the Punjalkatte police station. Though there were violations of Covid protocol right under their nose, the police personnel did not intervene. People have questioned, as to, who gave permission for the mass wedding and slammed the police for showing indifference, even as they lodge cases against common people and impose fines.
Denying that protocols were violated, Prashanth Punjalkatte, president of Swasthik Friends Club that organized the mass marriage programme, said, "There is a provision to organise marriages during weekends while adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines. Thus, after obtain permission from the local administration, Swasthik Friends Club organised this mass marriage.
"Only two persons from each family apart from the couples were allowed to the marraige. The marriage was conducted in two groups of 16 couples. The couples and their family members were instructed to strictly adhere to Covid-19 guidlines by wearing masks, maintain social distance, and to use hand sanitisers. Hence, there is no viaolation of guidelines during the marriage. Spreading rumours in this regard is not fair," he said.