Karnataka agriculture minister takes COVID-19 vaccine at home, triggers controversy
Bengaluru, Mar 2: Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil on Tuesday courted controversy after taking COVID-19 vaccine at his home instead of going to designated hospital, drawing criticism from Health Minister K Sudhakar and others.
Patil, 64, and his wife took the vaccine at his Hirekerur residence in Haveri district, on the second day of the vaccination drive to cover people aged above 60 and 45 plus with co-morbidities.
Patil tweeted, "Took the #COVID19Vaccine with my wife, at my Hirekerur house from the Govt. doctors today. While 'Made In India' vaccines are being immensely appreciated by many countries, some vested interest groups are spreading false information about the vaccines.
As several social media users questioned his decision to take the vaccine at home, Sudhakar said the protocol is to get it in the hospital.
When reporters sought Chief Minister B S Yediyurappas reaction, he said getting vaccinated was more important than the place where the inoculation happened.
Patil defended himself, saying he has not committed any crime and wanted to avoid trouble for the public.
"Have I done any theft or robbery? I have only taken the vaccine at home, which is not a crime," the Minister told reporters.
He said it was good that his inoculation became public which would inspire others to take the shot.
Patil added that had he gone to the hospital, it would have caused trouble to people waiting there.
However, Sudhakar expressed his dissatisfaction over the conduct of Patil and said the medical team should have persuaded him to come to the hospital.
"Unless there is a prior permission, no one is allowed to go home to vaccinate. It is wrong to go home to administer a vaccine," he said.
He would issue a circular to the doctors not to administer vaccines at home, the minister added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several others had taken the vaccine shots in designated hospitals on Monday.
Took the #COVID19Vaccine with my wife, at my Hirekerur house from the Govt. doctors today.
— Kourava B.C.Patil (@bcpatilkourava) March 2, 2021
While 'Made In India' vaccines are being immensely appreciated by many countries, some vested interest groups are spreading false information about the vaccines.@DDChandanaNews | @DHFWKA pic.twitter.com/yE6fYZTddJ
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Tumakuru: Dalit family allegedly prevented from entering temple; accused arrested
Tumakuru: Police in Turuvekere have arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly obstructing a Dalit family from entering a temple and making caste-based remarks, officials said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Rajanna, has been booked under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on a complaint filed by Rangaramu T. of Thuyalahalli village.
According to the FIR, the incident took place on April 18 around 5:30 pm when Rangaramu T. and his family visited the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Mallur village to offer prayers. It states that the accused allegedly objected to their entry and made remarks referring to caste hierarchy and questioning their presence inside the temple premises.
The FIR further states that the accused made additional remarks asserting that such entry into the temple was not permitted and asked the family to leave. It also mentions that the complainant was subjected to mental harassment through these statements.
Following the complaint, DySP Om Prakash Gowda along with revenue officials and police visited the spot and conducted an inspection.
Further investigation is underway.
