Coronavirus outbreak: Chhattisgarh Congress MLA booked for flouting social-distancing norms

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Shailesh Pandey was booked on Sunday for allegedly violating prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC after scores of people thronged his residence at Bilaspur where food kits and medicines were being distributed to the needy during the ongoing nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Scores of people reached his residence after coming to know that ration and medicines were being distributed there.
Subsequently, an FIR was registered against the first-time MLA under Section 269 of the IPC that deals with negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life and Section 188 of the IPC (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
Reacting to the case, Pandey told media “Yes it’s a fact that there were arrangements to provide food kits and medicines at the wards. Suddenly, a large number of people came in groups though we requested them to return and promised them supply the essentials at their houses.”
Pandey said he came to know that a case had been registered against him and he would not like to comment on it. However, he added that he would continue to help the needy by strictly following the safety guidelines prescribed for maintaining social distance.