Bengaluru: Outrage was sparked on Thursday, July 23, after news spread that officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palilke (BBMP) sealed two flats by blocking the doors with corrugated metal sheets.
It is reported that the incident occurred in Domlur of the city.
Appalled by the method, one resident took to Twitter and wrote, “BBMP sealing done in our building for a confirmed Covid case. Lady with 2 small children, next door neighbours are an aged couple. What if there is a fire, @BBMPCOMM? Understand the need for containment, but this is an extremely dangerous fire hazard – please address urgently (sic).”
BBMP sealing done in our building for a confirmed Covid case. Lady with 2 small children, next door neighbours are an aged couple. What if there is a fire, @BBMPCOMM ? Understand the need for containment, but this is an extremely dangerous fire hazard – please address urgently. pic.twitter.com/pCDMn5Pefl
— Satish Sangameswaran (@satishs) July 23, 2020
The resident added in another tweet, “Apart from the fire hazard, it also makes it difficult for the Emergency response team set up within the apt to support the families on groceries, etc. They are bulk ordering to minimise delivery contact, this makes it impossible to pass on big packages of essentials (sic).”
As per reports, the two flats were home to a woman with two children and an elderly couple.
Understandably, the incident sparked outrage and the sheets were removed.
Additionally, newly appointed BBMP commissioner Manjunatha Prasad issued an apology on Twitter for the “over-enthusiasm of local staff” saying, “…We are committed to treat all persons with dignity. The purpose of containment is to protect the infected and to ensure uninfected are safe.”
I have ensured removing of this barricades immediately. We are committed to treat all persons with dignity. The purpose of containment is to protect the infected and to ensure uninfected are safe. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/JbPRbmjspK
— N. Manjunatha Prasad,IAS (@BBMPCOMM) July 23, 2020
It can be noted that Bengaluru has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state and registers between 1,000 and 2,500 new cases daily.
On Thursday, Karnataka recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases so far with a whopping 5,030 new infections and 97 deaths.
