Sonepat admn bans political gatherings in Baroda segment

ROHTAK: Sonepat district administration on Monday announced a ban on political gatherings in Baroda constituency, a day after senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Deepender Hooda, who canvassed here recently, tested positive for Covid-19.

Deepinder is the fourth political leader to be found infected after campaigning here.

Earlier, Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia, agriculture minister JP Dalal and power and jails minister Ranjit Chautala also tested positive after holding gatherings in the constituency that is set to go for a bypoll soon.

Sonepat deputy commissioner Shyam Lal Punia said, “The gatherings will be allowed only if the organiser takes the responsibility of adhering to safety guidelines. Strict action will be taken against the organiser if any person is found positive after taking part in the gathering,” the DC added.

Abhay, Yogeshwar defy orders

Even after the district administration announced a ban on public meetings, Indian National Lok Dal’s senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala and wrestler-turned Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yogeshwar Dutt continued interacting with people in various villages of the constituency on Monday.

86 workers of Murthal dhabas test +ve

Sonepat deputy commissioner Shyam Lal Punia said they had received the report of 909 workers in Murthal dhabas, of whom 86, including 81 employees of Sukhdev and Garam Dharam dabhas, have tested positive for the virus.

He said notices had been sent to the owners of the two dhabas, where last week, 81 staffers were found infected with Covid-19.