Bars, pubs in Karnataka allowed to resume service from Sept 1
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has allowed bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the state to serve liquor from Tuesday with 50 per cent of their seating capacity.
There were restrictions on serving liquor since March, when the lockdown was enforced first, and until now only takeaways were allowed at these establishments.
They have been instructed to strictly follow the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19.
The order by the Excise Commissioner said such relaxations were already in place in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. It also cites government's revenue as one among the reasons for the decision.
The Karnataka government had in May had allowed sale of liquor through MRP outlets.
This was followed by permission for bars, microbreweries, pubs and others to clear out their stocks, but in-house service was not allowed.
Though many of these establishments have welcomed the government's decision, they also have expressed apprehensions that it may take a while for the business to pick up with the pandemic situation still around.
Manager of one such bar said it will take a few days to restart the service and we are preparing for it with required stocks, we have also asked our staff, who were out without work to get back, we need to train them with safety protocols that need to be followed.
Also, the city's main markets, K R Market and Kalasipalya market that had remained shut for some time now following a spike in coronavirus cases in the city, have been allowed to start their operations from Tuesday.
Officials have said they have taken necessary precautionary measures and marshals have been deployed to check violation of norms and protocols to contain COVID-19 spread.
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.
Violence during Ram Navami rally in Murshidabad; Muslim shops vandalised, several injured
Murshidabad: Violence broke out during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj area of Jangipur subdivision, where around 40 shops were reportedly vandalised and several set on fire, raising concerns over law and order ahead of the Assembly elections.
The incident took place in Fultala locality, a predominantly Muslim residential area near the Jangipur subdivisional hospital. According to sources, tension began when a Ram Navami procession passed near a mosque while Friday prayers were underway.
Objections raised by those offering prayers reportedly led to a verbal altercation. The situation escalated as the procession moved towards Fultala crossing.
Eyewitnesses alleged that members of the mob climbed onto rooftops of nearby houses, hoisted saffron flags, damaged shops and assaulted residents. Several commercial establishments, including small shops and food outlets, were reportedly targeted.
The site of the incident is located close to the Raghunathganj police station. Residents claimed that the violence continued for some time despite the presence of police and central forces, alleging delayed intervention. Police later resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
Among those injured was Abul Sheikh, a 30-year-old employee of Jangipur municipality, who sustained head injuries. He alleged that he was attacked while passing through the area on his motorcycle, which was also damaged and set on fire.
BJP Jangipur president Subal Chandra Ghosh said the situation arose after the procession was allegedly obstructed. He stated that participants reacted by pelting stones, leading to clashes in which people from both sides were injured.
Superintendent of Police of Jangipur police district, Surinder Singh, said police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. He said an investigation has been initiated with the involvement of both state police and central forces. No arrests had been made so far, and search operations are underway, he added.
Jangipur MLA Zakir Hossain alleged that the incident was an attempt to create communal tension ahead of elections and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
