Wedding Party in Gopalpur: 350 Quarantined for Violating COVID-19 Guidelines

Berhampur: In a bizarre incident that could have wide ramifications in the fight against Covid-19 in the State, a marriage party was organised in Ganjam’s Gopalpur flouting all COVID-19 guidelines.

The wedding party of a well-known businessman of the district, held at Gopalpur on Sea, was attended by hundreds of people without adhering to social distancing norms.

While all parties and processions have been banned in view of the pandemic, this incidence has raised questions with regard to the management of lockdown in the district.

A video of the wedding procession, which went viral in the social media, shows hundreds of people dancing in the baraat procession and almost all were not wearing any masks and there was no social distancing.

While the groom was happily dancing with the baraat, it seems they had little respect for the law. Immediately after the video went viral, netizens raised concerns and demanded action against the organizers.

The district administration swung into action and sent 350 of the attendees to quarantine for violating the norms and to avoid any untoward incidence.

When contacted regarding action taken, District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said the vehicles used in the marriage party have been seized and an FIR has also been lodged against both parties. The Hotel owner has also been fined Rs 50,000. All involved in the wedding procession were quarantined.