Karnataka: Mangaluru Doctor without mask booked under Epidemic Act; calls it 'Stupid rule'

Karnataka police have registered a case against a Mangalore Doctor who refused to wear a face mask in public while shopping in a mall--calling it a "stupid rule". He argued with the store manager when he was asked to wear a mask. After receiving a written complaint by the store manager, police has booked the accused under the section of 4,5 and 9 of Karnataka State Epidemic (Prevention) Act 2020. The manager alleged that the doctor's antics put himself, his employees and other clients at risk. The manager wrote to the doctor, "claiming to treat his patients the same way (without a mask)."

As per the sources, Dr Srinivas Kakaliya (accused) was at the billing counter of a grocery store in a mall in Mangalore without a face mask and was later asked to wear one-- which is required by law in a public place amid pandemic.

In the video, the store's security camera showed that the doctor who was wearing a blue shirt and jeans rejected another customer's request to wear a mask. He then ignores and starts putting his shopping items on the billing counter. Later, when the manager also asks him to wear a mask, the conversation then between the two heated. The doctor was adamant that he won't wear a mask and complain about "stupid rules", while the manager reminded him that this is the law and told him that it is a rule for employees and customers to wear a mask

Dr Kakaliya stated that he has already recovered from COVID and he is fine now and later left the store. The accused doctor was summoned by the police and was relieved after a warning.

COVID-Appropriate norms

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the government has strictly asked everyone to follow COVID appropriate behaviour-- maintaining social distance and regularly washing hands, wearing face masks when going out of the house. Mask is also important for those who have recovered from the infection.

COVID Situation in Karnataka

According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Karnataka on Wednesday reported 28,611 new COVID-19 cases with 58,395 recoveries and 525 deaths. The total active cases of the state remain at 5,75,049 with 16,74,487 total recoveries and 22,838 deaths.

(Image Credits: PTI/UNSPLASH)