Daijiworld Media Network - Ramanagara (SHP/MS)

Ramanagara, May 17: A panchayat development officer (PDO) has been suspended for allowing people to gather outside Kolagondanahalli temple for the village fair earlier this week in violation of the lockdown and without adhering to social distancing norms.

The suspension came after deputy chief minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan reprimanded the officials involved in the incident. Narayan also ordered the deputy commissioner of the district to submit a detailed report on the incident.

Meanwhile, on Friday afternoon, the district police arrested the temple priest Chikka Bore Gowda and booked him under IPC sections 188 (disobeying order issued by a public servant) and 269 (negligent act leading to spread of infectious disease).

Speaking to reporters, the deputy chief minister said, "I have sought a report from the district commissioner and action will be taken against all those responsible for the gathering."

According to the government COVID-19 data, the Ramanagara district is a green zone district.

Davanagere: People throng temple, worship 'Coronamma' to ward off virus

Meanwhile, in Davanagere, hundreds gathered and held a procession of 'Coronamma', the goddess which the people have named to ward off coronavirus pandemic.

People of the district are in a panicky situation as the coronavirus positive cases are on the rise day by day. People are worshipping Coronamma in order to ward off the pandemic, which they consider as an evil force.

The main door of Nittuvalli Durgambika temple has been closed due to the restrictions that are in place due to the lockdown. However, devotees are not deterred and worship the goddess and also offer sacrifice from outside the temple itself.

The devotees were seen chanting "Go Coronamma, protect us goddess". Though police have not given permission to offer puja, women have been visiting the temple and giving offerings from outside.