Delhi coronavirus containment zone residents attack cops, volunteers over barricade removal

A group of residents of a coronavirus containment zone in Delhi attacked policemen and civil volunteers, who had had gone to distribute food and supplies in the area on Sunday, following an argument over barricades. An argument over the issue of barricades soon turned violent, leaving several policemen injured in the scuffle.

New Delhi: Civil defence volunteers and home guards deployed in the coronavirus containment zone in Naraina area of Delhi were allegedly attacked by a group of locals on Sunday following an argument over barricades.

The incident took place when the policemen and volunteers had gone to distribute food and supplies in the area, which has been under the list of Delhi's 262 containment zones for a very long time. Some residents demanded that the barricade-placed by the authorities to check the movement in and out of the zone to avoid coronavirus spread-should be removed.

An argument over the issue of barricades soon turned violent, leaving several policemen injured in the scuffle. Soon a team of police officials reached the spot to pacify the situation.

According to police, two persons have been detained and FIR has been registered against the ones, who were involved in this inhuman act. As per sources, police are trying to nab a person, who had absconded after the incident.

The WZ block of the area had reported 10 coronavirus cases after which it was declared a containment zone.

Many such incidents have been reported in the past where the essential service workers, doctors, police and health workers have faced hostilities from the masses while serving amid the pandemic. In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned those harassing the essential service workers and COVID frontline warriors and said the culprits will face police action.

Meanwhile, the central government, earlier this month, announced several lockdown relaxations across the country in a phase-wise manner which included the opening of malls, restaurants, and places of worship following precautionary rules. However, the lockdown in containment zones was not eased and the residents of these areas are not allowed outside their houses except for essential services or emergencies.

Delhi is one of the worst affected states by COVID-19, and it continues to maintain a worrisome trend with the highest positive cases being reported each day. The national capital has reported 59,746 COVID-19 cases till date. The death toll due to coronavirus reached 2,175. On Sunday, the national capital had reported 3,000 cases.