COVID-19 protocol violation: Meghalaya Govt directs DC to file FIR against 41 wedding attendees

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 10, 2020

The state government has ordered filing of an FIR against 41 wedding attendees after they were found to have violated the COVID-19 protocols.  

The decision was taken after the inquiry reports were submitted by the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Matsiewdor War and Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner RM Kurbah on Friday.

It may be mentioned here that two of the forty-one wedding attendees were also tested positive for COVID-19 while a total of 62 people have been identified as their high risk contacts.

Addressing media persons, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the findings of the inquiry reports into the wedding party held at Greenwood Resort, Assam and the reception held in Shillong was discussed at today’s review meeting.

“We have decided that immediate FIR has to be filed against all the 41 persons and let the law take its own course. We have directed the DC of East Khasi Hills to file the FIR against them,” he said.

Asked, Tynsong said that the inquiry reports have clearly stated that the wedding attendees have violated the protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and notification issued by the government.

The wedding party was held at Greenwood Resort on June 27 while the reception at Shillong was held on July 2.

If there is any lapses found from the part of the government, Tynsong said that five passes were issued by the DC of East Khasi Hills and the applicants had clearly mentioned that the purpose was for attending the wedding.

When pointed out that the passes were issued despite the government’s decision to restrict people from travelling to Assam, the deputy chief minister however said, “They asked for only five passes but 41 of them had gone there. Yes we allow people to attend weddings but while returning they have to go through the entry point (at Byrnihat) and follow all protocols…but all these were missing.”