Health workers on COVID-19 surveillance assaulted in B'luru

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers who were on COVID-19 surveillance were assaulted by a mob in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru: A group of health workers on Thursday were allegedly manhandled by a mob in Sadiq Nagar when they were carrying out a surveillance work following a report of COVID-19 positive case in Bengaluru, an official said.

Reportedly, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers along with other staffers had been to Sadiq Nagar of Sarayi Palya in Hegde Nagar, East Bengaluru for field surveillance after a domestic maid in the area had tested positive for COVID-19.

"A group of 40-50 persons surrounded me and took objections to my work in locality. They took away the sheets of medical record and in fact this gang of people ordered other residents not to share any information," said Krishnadevi, an ASHA worker.

She further added, they even shouted that they will die of COVID-19 and she and other health workers shouldn't be worried.

According to the sources, only after Krishnaveni tipped off the police about the incident, a Hoysala patrolling vehicle was sent to the spot and police personnel released her from the mob.

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr. Ashwat Narayan has ordered a probe and he said that strict actions will be taken against the perpetrators.