Mahabubabad: Man booked for defying quarantine orders

Mahabubabad: The writing is on the wall for those violating the quarantine guidelines laid down by the government in view of coronavirus outbreak. In a first in Mahabubabad district, the police on Monday registered case against a person, who recently returned from Qatar, for violating quarantine orders.

The police also booked case against his relatives for supporting him. He belongs to Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district.

According to the police, the man, who underwent thermal screening test at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on his return from Qatar, was advised to 14-day home quarantine.

Following which he went to Bhadrachalam. Three days later, he went to his close relative's house at Danthalapally in Mahabubabad district.

The villagers, who got to know that the person had come from a foreign country, immediately informed the local police station, a couple of days ago.

The police and the medical officials rushed to the village and advised him not to roam around as he was instructed to home quarantine for 14 days. Basic tests confirmed that he had not symptoms of coronavirus.

But the person left the village without giving any intimation to the police and medical authorities. This came to light when the police and medical officials visited his relative's house on Sunday evening.

The police were told that the person went to Bhadrachalam. Against this backdrop, District Collector VP Gautham instructed the police to file criminal cases against him and his relatives, it's learnt.

Danthalapally Sub-Inspector B Venkanna said: "Despite the advice of the medical officers and police to maintain self-quarantine, the man left for his native place.

Following the directions of the District Collector and Superintendent of Police N Koti Reddy, we have booked cases against the person and his relatives under Section 188 IPC (If such disobedience causes danger to human life, health or safety), Section-3 of Epidemic Disease Act 1897."