Vendor booked for Covid violations, but leaders let off

AMRITSAR: At a time when even our leaders are failing to follow covid-19 protocol in election rallies, rural district police have registered a case against a Pani Puri vendor for violating these norms in Jandiala Guru town. This is the first case registered in April. In March too, just a couple of cases were registered.

The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered on the complaint of sub-inspector (SI) Balraj Singh. “We got a tip-off that one Amit Kuswah has been selling Pani Puri at his shop due to which a crowd had gathered with no one wearing a mask,” the SI’S complaint reads.

Amit was arrested, but was given bail. He has been booked under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC.

Police, however, have turned a blind eye to no masks being used at politicians’ rallies or elections. On Thursday, elections were held for electing presidents of the Jandiala municipal council and Rayya Nagar Panchayat. Both towns fall under rural district’s jurisdictions and in the town, over a 100 person had gathered, with no social distancing. Only few wore masks and pictures of these events were posted on social media.

The picture are in contrast to the assertion of DSP Sukhwinderpal Singh, who was present in the Jandiala event. He said, “Social distancing norms were followed and everyone was provided with masks at the event.”

Even as rallies are proving to be a huge headache, farmers have also been holding rallies and functions despite the administration’s ban.