Ambulance sells vegetables & poultry amid lockdown in Guwahati, seized by Police

Guwahati: In a sensational incident, an ambulance was found to be selling vegetables and poultry to customers amid the lockdown in Guwahati --  a clear defiance of the law. Although the culprits managed to escape the clutches of the police, the vehicle (bearing registration number AS-01JC8718) has been seized.

"Today during duty we came to know that an ambulance was selling vegetables as well as poultry. Accordingly, we were able to seize an ambulance near the Dispur Hospital in Ganeshguri. We found out that some persons have been selling an assortment of vegetables as well as poultry", said Himangshu Das, ACP, Dispur Police Station.

He further added that the sellable items have been seized by the police and a case has been filed. "We have brought the items to the station, and a case will be filed. Although the criminals fled upon seeing a party of police, we have ascertained the names of the owner and driver and are preparing to arrest them." Das further informed that the ambulance in question is a private vehicle and is not employed by any hospital.

It needs mention here that this incident has come to light during the strictest phase of lockdown in Guwahati, Assam, where the COVID-19 curve has been inching upwards ever since the advent of June.

For the first week of the lockdown that came into effect on Sunday, May 27, all shops and establishments (except ones termed as 'essential') will be closed down. Not even grocery stores have been allowed to open.

As such, it is understandable that the demand for fresh vegetables, meat, etc, has skyrocketed and some unscrupulous businessmen seem to be taking advantage of this situation.

In the days leading up to the lockdown, it was witnessed that vegetables were selling for 2-3 times their usual prices on the city streets. Indeed, the inflated prices of some goods (such as potatoes for Rs. 70) has become the stuff of lore and legend.

Also Watch: Parimal Suklabaidya inspected Flood situation at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary