Jharsuguda: Police arrested 46 devotees for allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines during Chhat Puja celebration in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district.
According to the sources, the devotees had gathered at a water body to offer prayers to Sun God in utter disregard to the restrictions clamped under Section 144 in the area. On being informed, police reached the spot and arrested the devotees.
Notably, the Odisha government had banned mass bathing at river banks and ghats on November 20-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
People were advised to perform rituals in their respective houses avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, wearing of mask and hand washing.
Any person found violating the order would be punished under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and other relevant laws, the government had warned.
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