Delhi: Bengali Market sealed after police finds 35 workers housed in terrace of a shop

Two workers showed COVID-19 symptoms; police file FIR against shop owner

Delhi deserted aayush A deserted commercial area in Delhi | Aayush Goel

The Bengali Market area in Delhi has been sealed off following a coronavirus scare after 35 people were found living on the terrace of Bengali Pastry Shop in unhygienic conditions, in a cramped space. 

The shop, in its defence, said it was merely providing shelter to its immigrant workers, who had nowhere else to go until the lockdown was lifted, on the terrace. It maintained the shop had been closed since March 25 in following norms of the lockdown. However, an FIR has been filed against the pastry shop for endangering lives by defying the lockdown. Two of the workers, according to police officials, showed COVID-19 symptoms.

Action will be initiated by the police under various sections of the IPC and the Epidemic Act against owners of the Bengali Pastry Shop. The 35 people, who were housed on its terrace, will be shifted to shelter homes. The pastry shop has posted a statement alleging ‘defamation’, confusion and miscommunication. 

Apart from this, three people from the area were tested positive for the coronavirus. The area has over 300 houses and some of Delhi’s most popular eateries.

Post sealing of the area, New Delhi District Magistrate, Tanvi Garg, ordered sealing of areas like Babar Road, Todarmal Road, Babar Lane and the School Lane. Twenty two areas in Delhi have been sealed, reads a report by The Print

As per a report by The Economic Times, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, after a meeting with CM Arvind Kejriwal and other senior government officials including Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain announced, "No person will be permitted inside these localities or will be allowed to leave them."

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