Udupi:  Udupi Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha on Tuesday personally inspected implementation of Covid-19 guidelines and levied fine on a private bus driver and conductor for violating the norms.

The bus, ferrying employees, senior citizens and students was plying between Udupi and Siddapur via Santhekatte. Many passengers were standing while travelling. The deputy commissioner directed them to alight.

Jagadeesha directed the conductor to refund the fare to students who got down. He blasted the conductor as he had not properly worn the mask. The deputy commissioner directed him to allow passengers as per seating capacity.

“The public should cooperate with the district administration in containing the spread of the virus,” he said.

The officials booked cases against staff of the five buses.

A girl claimed that the passengers landed in distress due to the DC’s action. A video by her went viral on social media.

While some justified the stand of DC, a few others criticised his action and stated that Jagadeesha should have been more sensible.