A foreign-returnee had allegedly to pay Rs 3,000 for accommodation and food at a Government quarantine centre in Jaripada panchayat of Khordha district.
Manoj Behera (28) of Jagannathpur Sahi in the panchayat was kept at the quarantine centre for 16 days from July 10 after he returned from Oman.
On the conclusion of his stay period, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) Ajay Kumar Rayguru allegedly asked him to pay Rs 3,000 towards his food expenses and use of bed and other facilities. A video of this has gone viral on social media.
An official of the district administration said that as per norms, Behera, being a foreign returnee, should have undergone home quarantine or paid quarantine for 28 days.
However, due to the lack of both, he urged the PEO to stay at the Government quarantine centre. The PEO had then told him to pay for his stay.
As inmates at a Government quarantine centre can’t be charged for their stays, the PEO should have consulted with the district administration in this regard, the official added.
The district Collector has ordered a probe into the matter.