“Such an irresponsible act is likely to transmit/spread infection to other co-passengers and contacts travelling in the above flight,” said an order issued by Thoubal DC/district magistrate, N Bandana Devi.
TFM Desk
Amidst rumours that COVID-19 negative reports can be bought and counterfeits were circulating, an air passenger travelling to Imphal was found to be using a fake COVID-19 negative report, as it was mandatory to possess one to enter the state.
The passenger, Wangkhem Rabina Devi (21) d/o Wangkhem Ranjit Singh of Papal Mayai Leikai, Thoubal District, has been fined Rs 2,000 as penalty for violation of guidelines under “The Manipur Epidemic Diseases (Enforcement of Covid-19 Guidelines) Regulation, 2020 notified vide No. 16/115(50)/2020-H(COVID-19) dated April 20, 2021.
Thoubal DC/district magistrate, N Bandana Devi has issued an order to this effect on Monday.
According to the order, district surveillance officer, Thoubal on April 22, 2021 had reported that Wangkhem Rabina Devi had travelled from Hyderabad to Imphal on April 22, 2021 by Indigo Flight No. 6E6708 Seat Number 18F and 6E6181 seat Number 5D via Kolkata using a fake COVID-19 Negative report.
Upon investigation and verification by the surveillance team at Imphal Airport, it was revealed that Wangkhem Rabina Devi was found to be COVID-19 positive on April 21, 2021 with sample ID Number 20186628 AP-GOVT.
“Such an irresponsible act is likely to transmit/ spread infection to other co-passengers and contacts travelling in the above flight,” the order stated.
Rabina will have to execute a bond, with sureties for her good behavior for a period of six month under Section 110 of CrPC, 1973 as and when she is declared medically fit to appear before the executive magistrate, the order stated.
Manipur Government had issued an order that all persons entering Manipur, whether by air or by road, and irrespective of place of origin, shall be allowed entry only on mandatory production of a negative RT-PCR/ TrueNat/CB-NAAT COVID-19 test report taken within 72 hours from arrival in Manipur.