Why Odisha police dithers to take action against Hotel South City which flouted Covid-19 norms?
Life of Manish Agrawal could have been saved had Hotel South City not entertained them till late night.
By Our Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 14: The life of Manish Anurg, the son of senior journalist Naveen Das, could have been saved had the South City Hotel not served them food and drinks beyond the deadline fixed under the Covid-19 guidelines.
Manish Anurg died on October 9. It has been established that he along with his friends was present in the hotel till 4 PM.
The hotel served food and drinks to the youths till late night as a result of which the bill they got a hefty bill. Media reports say the total bill was around Rs 35,000.
As the friends fought over bill payment, it created a confrontational scene leading to the death of Manish.
This correspondent contacted general manager of a top hotel in Bhubaneswar who said till October 11, food service was available in hotel and restaurants till 10. From October 11, food servicing time has been cut down to 8 pm.
On October 9, the deadline for serving food and drinks was 10 PM. One wonders why the South City Hotel’s bar was open till the dawn.
What is quite astonishing that the investigating officers of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police has not yet taken into custody the hotel owner or its officials for violating the Covid-19 guidelines.
It has been established beyond doubt that the bar was kept open till the dawn and the money sent by Manish’s mother has been received on the hotel accounts.
When the hotels turn away the obstinate clients with use of force as they often create scenes, it is quite mysterious why South City Hotel chose to serve Manish and his friends.
A top retired police officer said the South City Hotel owner (s) must been booked past for violating Covid-19 guidelines and abating the death of Manish.
