Thousands defy lockdown, participate in temple fair in Covid-19 hotspot

Kalaburagi: Thousands of people participated in the Siddalingeshwara fair in Chittapur taluk of Kalaburagi district on Thursday despite the imposition of lockdown in the nation.

Kalaburagi happens to be among the eight districts classified as a hotspot in Karnataka on Wednesday and in accordance with government guidelines, lockdown has to be strictly implemented in the districts.

Images of the temple fair shows people standing in close proximity while pulling the Ratha (chariot) with several others looking on. The local police and district administration meanwhile remained mute spectators to the entire proceedings.

Notably the first case of Covid 19 related death was reported from Kalaburagi. The district has reported 18 confirmed Covid cases, including three deaths till date.

On Thursday, Karnataka registered its highest daily spike in the number of new coronavirus cases.