Groom's father fined Rs 50,000 for flouting Covid 19 rules during marriage

Odisha : The Odisha Police has arrested five people including groom and his father for flouting coronavirus rules during the marriage procession in Berhampur. The incident happened on July 2.

"A case has been registered for violation of Covid-19 guidelines for organising a marriage procession with more than 50 guests in the premises of a hotel. They disregarded the compulsory use of mask and flouted social distancing norms," DIG Central Zone Satyabrata Bhoi said.

"The case has been registered at Gopalpur PS under section 188/269/270 IPC, R/W Sec- 3 Epidemic Disease Act, and 34 IPC. Two vehicles used in the procession have also been seized. the arrested persons will be produced in the court," he added.

The district administration has also imposed a penalty of Rs 50,000 and registered FIR against other family members of the groom and bride in this connection, the police said.

"On charge 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.

The administration has also sealed the hotel for not ensuring that the guidelines must have been followed.

Following the incident, the chief minister’s office tweeted: “Odisha is in a crucial phase in the fight against COVID-19, hence, it is very essential that we all obey guidelines and regulations issued by State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19. Violation of the same would lead to strong action.”