Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Apr 21: Five persons from Bangaluru and Tumakuru, who obtained medical passes on the basis of false information at a time when a state-wide lockdown is in force, entered Kodagu district on this basis and stayed in a homestay facility, now face police case. Homestay owner has also been named in the complaint.

Vinod Chinnappa, who owns a homestay at Vatekadu in Hoddur village, Madikeri taluk, who allowed these people to stay at this facility without prior authorisation, as well as Benaka Kumar, Sandeep, Vinay, Padmashree and Rakskhita, who have been taken into custody by the staff of district crime intelligent bureau (DCIB), have admitted them into the district quarantine.

Two persons from Tumakuru had arrived at the River Valley Bungalow homestay owned by Vinod Chinnappa 15 days back. The homestay falls within the jurisdiction of Madikeri rural police station. The police had quarantined both of them at the homestay itself and the owner was warned. On April 14, it was observed that Vinod Chinnappa fraudulently obtained a pass by providing false information about the ill health of his mother to Bengaluru police. On the basis of this medical pass, he had brought Vinay, Padmashree and Rakshita in his car, all of whom were accommodated at his homestay.

Policemen from Madikeri rural and DCIPB under the leadership of disaster management expert officer Ananya raided the spot, took into custody the five persons who were seen residing without authorisation and the homestay owner. Their hands were stamped and they were admitted into the district quarantine facility. On Friday night, the homestay was sealed. A case under the Indian Penal Code and Disaster Management Act were registered in Madikeri rural police station. A car was also seized in this connection.

The operation was conducted by disaster management expert officer Ananya, Vasudev, panchayat development officer Abdulla and health department officials under the guidance of Madikeri deputy superintendent of police B P Dinesh Kumar and Madikeri rural circle inspector C N Diwakar and directions of the district superintendent of police (SP) Dr Suman D Pennekar. The SP said that hotels, resorts and homestay owners who allow people from other districts and states to come here and reside in homestays and resorts in Kodagu district will be acted against and that the police are keeping a close watch on these activities.

A resort in Hoskote was similarly sealed down for allowing five tourists to stay there int he past.