Mangaluru: “If anyone dares to attack ASHA workers or members of the medical fraternity, a case will be booked against them under the Goonda Act and they will be sent behind bars,” warned Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary on Wednesday, April 22.

He was speaking after disbursing grocery items to journalists at the Patrika Bhavan during a programme organised by SCDCC Bank.

“ASHA workers and the whole medical fraternity are working hard day and night to save the people’s lives. However, some continue to attack them. Revolvers are not given to the police for show. It can be used in an emergency. Strict action will be taken against miscreants,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Minister assured that free Covid-19 tests would be arranged for journalists. “Journalists are also working round-the-clock. Hence, after consulting with the health department, arrangements will be made to provide free tests for journalists,” he said.

SCDCC Bank Chairman M N Rajendra Kumar said the Bank is ready to extend a helping hand to the needy.

Journalists’ union president Srinivas Nayak Indaje welcomed the gathering and senior journalist Pushparaj B N proposed a vote of thanks. the union’s former president P B Harish Rai compered the programme.