Tumkur/New Delhi, Mar 21 (IANS): After a video of a health official screening passengers at a railway station went viral, the Indian Railways clarified that the official involved in the incident was working with the state government and that he has been "suspended" for negligence of duty.

Railway Ministry Director Media R.D. Bajpai in Delhi said, "The screening at railway station was done by state government official, who is since then kept under suspension. We have sensitise all concerned."

He said the Senior Health Assistant at Tumkur has been suspended by District Health Officer for negligence of duty.

The action was taken after his video went viral, showing him mishandling the screening procedure. The officer was also seen asking some questions and letting the passengers pass.

On Saturday the total number of Covid positive cases spiked to 271. At least four people have died due to Covid-19, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.