29 shopkeepers arrested in Odisha town for violating social distancing norms

Bhadrak: A day after the state Government warned for stern action against owners of essential commodity shops, police arrested as many as 29 shop owners in Bhadrak town today for violating  the social distancing norms.

Today morning,  huge crowd gathered at a local market to buy essential items giving a toss to the social distancing norms of COVID-19.

Yesterday, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and district administrations of Khordha, Balasore and Bhadrak had warned that shopkeepers will be taken to task for not ensuring social distancing in front of their outlets. Accordingly,     Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary had informed that

As per the order , shopkeepers will ensuring social distancing within and outside the shops and customers stand in queue inside marked circles with minimum distance of 5 feet while buying vegetables. In case of non-adherence, the shops will be sealed by local empowered officer with the help of police and appropriate action will be taken against the owner under Section 188 of IPC.  Besides, trade license of the concerned shop will be cancelled.