Coronavirus update: Chhattisgarh Congress legislator booked for violating prohibitory orders

Dipanshu Kabra, Bilaspur inspector general of Police (IGP), said while speaking to HT Civil Lines police got information on Sunday morning Pandey was distributing ration to a large number of people at his residence.

Published on: Mar 30, 2020, 10:22:29 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh police registered a case against a Congress legislator on Sunday in Bilaspur city for violating prohibitory orders during the lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19 disease.

Police have registered 36 cases for violation of locking down, quarantine and hiding information about foreign travel in the last 24 hours. (HT photo)

Dipanshu Kabra, Bilaspur inspector general of Police (IGP), said while speaking to HT Civil Lines police got information on Sunday morning Pandey was distributing ration to a large number of people at his residence.

“Police rushed to the spot that found a crowd which was a serious threat to life and could spread coronavirus. As we all know that section 144 has been imposed in every district of Chhattisgarh, this gathering was a clear violation,” Kabra said.

Also read: Politician in Chhattisgarh asks nurse to vacate house over Covid-19, booked

He said a first information report (FIR) was filed against the member of legislative assembly under sections 269 and 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“Investigation in the case is going on,” Kabra said.

Pandey said he was helping poor people affected by the lockdown in the past few days and was ensuring social distancing norms were being followed.

‘However, when I spotted a huge crowd outside my official residence for collecting ration today, I immediately called up the police,” he claimed.

Police have registered 36 cases for violation of locking down, quarantine and hiding information about foreign travel in the last 24 hours.

There are seven Covid-19 patients in the state so far.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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