Will bring ordinance to protect heath workers, says Karnataka law minister JC Madhuswamy

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Karnataka law minister JC Madhuswamy said the cabinet will promulgate an ordinance to ensure the protection of healthcare workers in the state in line with Uttar Pradesh and Kerala governments.

Bengaluru(Karnataka):In the backdrop of Padarayanapura incident, Karnataka law minister JC Madhuswamy said the cabinet will promulgate an ordinance to ensure the protection of front line health workers in the state.

Hours after BBMP staff were heckled at Padarayanapura in Bengaluru when they reached the area to shift the secondary contacts of a COVID-19 patient to the quarantine facility, the law minister said legal proceeding will be initiated against under the Epidemic Act.

The locals here reportedly vandalised barricades and assaulted health workers when they were shifted to an institutional quarantine building leading to violence.

"The issue was discussed in the Cabinet meeting and the government will not tolerate any such incident. An ordinance will be issued in this regard in line with Uttar Pradesh and Kerala governments. Power will be vested with the cops and harsh punishment will be ensured", Madhuswamy told ETV Bharat.

"Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai has instructed the police personnel to take strict action against people who attack health workers. People involved in these kinds of activities will be closely watched", said the law minister.

Read: Those who break law must be dealt with strictly: Former CM HD Kumaraswamy

Asked about Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed's tweet, the law minister went on to clarify, "Ahmed's tweet is his personal view. But our government will take stringent action against those violating the laws.

At least 59 accused have been taken into custody by the JJ Nagar police. Four FIRs under the IPC sections 353 and 307 and NDMA 352, 324 and 201 have been filed so far in the Padarayanapura incident.