Odisha: Woman Officer Dances At Brother's Wedding In Violation Of COVID-19 Social Protocol

Odisha officer dances at wedding in lockdown: A female tehsildar (tax officer) attended the wedding of her brother in Odisha, participating in violation of the state's COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing protocol. The default has sparked outrage online in light of the deadly coronavirus wave sweeping the country.

Odisha has recorded over 6,00,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with deaths touching 2500, as per the centre's data. The state government has banned large gatherings at marriages, capping attendance at 25 persons only.

The officer in question partook in the wedding in Jagannathpur village, Jagatsinghpur district. As per reports, she was among those assigned to impose and ensure lockdown rules were being followed. Authorities have taken note of the incident.

Authorities Under Spotlight After Odisha Officer Dances At Wedding, Violating Rules

"The woman tehsildar is on leave right now. Once she joins, an explanation will be called. Based on the explanation, a further course of action will be decided," Jajpur District Collector Chakravarti Singh Rathore said, as quoted by PTI. Residents of Jagannathpur have reportedly demanded action against the officer and all involved.

Local reports have identified the woman as Bulbul Behera, the tehsildar of Sukinda. As per OdishaTV, Behera allegedly urged others in the wedding procession to shake a leg as well.

"The dance was performed for only ten minutes during the last part of the procession. It was performed within the boundary of the house and there was no such violation of COVID-19 guidelines," she was quoted saying.