A milkman has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 to anyone who can give information on the unknown person who allegedly started spreading rumours that he and his whole family are suffering from COVID-19.
Speaking to the Imphal Free Press over the phone on Sunday, Chanam Ramesh, 50, son of Ch Heitombi of Naoremthong Takhellambam Leikai, Imphal West said that since Saturday, people are spreading rumours that his entire family members have been infected with COVID-19 and all the family members have been picked up by police for testing.
The rumour is that Ramesh, who works as a milkman, along with five members of his family and other seven members of his brother’s family are infected by COVID-19, he said.
Ramesh has been running his family for the past several years by selling milk door-to-door in the surrounding areas of Naoremthong. He said, the rumours have not only affected his business but the locals have also started stigmatizing his family members.
“The daily consumers have started refusing to take milk due the rumour and some have started harassing him while delivering milk,” said Ramesh.
He said no person from his family even has symptoms of COVID-19. A case will be lodged at the police station concerned to take necessary steps against the spreading of wrong information and for the harassment and stigma received by his family.
Moreover, he announced a reward of Rs 50,000 who can give the information of the person who started the rumour. He will take necessary legal help to punish the person who tried to harm him and his family, he said adding the identity of the individual who can give the information will not be disclosed.
In a government order, it was mentioned that along with essential services, milk booths and delivery of milk will be exempted during the lockdown.
As a routine, Ramesh collects milk from Lamphel and delivers it to about 400 households at their doorsteps in and around Uripok and Sagolband area.
It can be recalled that Ramesh is the same milkman whom some police personnel allegedly tried to assault near Epathoukok, Institute of Arts and Culture, Lamphelpat during the initial days of lockdown. The personnel allegedly tried to assault him for delivering milk during lockdown though the government exempted milk services.
Ramesh said he is also afraid to deliver milk amid the COVID-19 pandemic as no one wants to get infected. But as people demanded more milk with the belief that consuming milk can prevent coronavirus infection, he has been continuing delivering milk to the people, he added.
