Rumour over MR vaccine: Mob attacks ASHA worker, vandalises school, damages vehicles in Lanka

Guwahati, October 1, 2018:

An Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker was seriously injured when a large mob went on the rampage at a school in Hojai district on Sunday following rumours that a student had died after being administered measles rubella (MR) vaccine.

The incident was reported from Pharmapar High School in Lanka.

The mob’s action had forced the police to use force but the mob retaliated by pelting stones at the policemen and their vehicles. Five police vehicles were damaged in stone-pelting.

Hojai Deputy Commissioner Manabendra Pratap Singh said five people were arrested in connection with the incident.

“A team of health officials comprising an ANM, an ASHA worker and an Anganwadi worker had gone to the school to administer MR vaccine. Later, some students started complaining of vomiting and dizziness and they were taken to a hospital. But soon, a lot of people started swarming to the school following rumour spread by a person that a student died after he was administered the vaccine. The mob started vandalizing a classroom and attacked the ASHA worker leaving her grievously injured,” Singh told InsideNe.

He said some 2,000 people were involved in vandalizing the school. When the police intervened, the mob clashed with the cops and damaged five police vehicles by pelting stones. A group of policemen has been deployed to the site, he said.

“We have arrested five people. Some more will be arrested. We will soon identify the person who had circulated the rumour. He will be arrested too. Our investigation is on,” Singh added.