The father and brother of a groom in Odisha were arrested and fined with ₹50,000 after the video of their viral wedding procession that had flouted all the social distancing rules came to light. This procession had happened in the state’s Ganjam district, a COVID-19 hotspot.
In this video, most guests were seen without masks and they were in close contact with each other throughout the procession. Sources said this well-known hotelier in the town had obtained permission from the authorities for his son’s marriage at a hotel at Gopalpur-on-Sea on July 2. The hotel has reportedly been sealed for seven days, they said. According to the rules in the Unlock 1 and 2, a maximum of 50 people alone are allowed to attend weddings.
“On charges of violation of COVID-19 rules for marriage in Berhampur, Rs 50,000 fine was collected and FIR filed against both the parties,” Ganjam Collector V A Kulange said. He added that our joy should not end up ruining the lives of others.
The district has reported 2,066 COVID-19 cases so far, and it also tops the list of fatalities with 20 people succumbing to the disease. Odisha’s coronavirus death toll stands at 34. According to an official notification, two IAS officers – Parul Patawari and Vishal Singh – have been appointed as special ADMs (in-charge) for COVID-19 management in Chhatrapur and Bhanjanagar sub-divisions in the district.