After the Prime Minister of India called for a nationwide lockdown, the State Police have arrested lawbreakers and seized thousands of vehicles. They have collected a fine of Rs 1.83 Crore tackling social viruses.
India has registered 1,553 more fresh cases as of Monday afternoon, April 20, 2020, taking the total number of coronavirus count in India to 17,265 confirmed cases.
The country’s death toll has increased to 543.
The pandemic has spread its tentacles all over Maharashtra. It remains the worst-hit State in the country with the latest data showing that the State has more than 3,651 positive cases and 211 deaths. The highest number of cases was reported from Mumbai. The capital city has more than 2,110 positive patients.
While the Police and the State Government are appealing citizens to stay home, there are still many human viruses roaming unnecessarily; keeping themselves, fellow citizens as well as medical workers and the police force in harm’s way.
The Maharashtra Police have been working very hard, risking their lives in the process, to ensure that citizens obey the lockdown order. But sadly, the virus has not ignored these men in uniform as 30 police personnel, including seven officers, has been infected while on frontline duty to combat the outbreak.
In a bid to strictly enforce the lockdown, the Maharashtra Police have arrested 10,276 people and seized 32,424 vehicles for violating the prohibitory orders given by the State Government. They have collected a fine of its Rs 1.83 Crore by registering more than 50,000 offences. Another 1,044 offences have been registered for those making unauthorised road trips, flouting lockdown norms.
A total of 15 foreigners have also been booked across the State for violating their visa norms.
“We are appealing to the people to not step out. Help us fight this virus. But still, some lawbreakers are roaming across the State without any essential work. We have registered cases against them and booked them under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code and Pandemic Law,” said a police officer attached to Mumbai Police.
Another area of concern is the violation of home quarantine. The Police said that they have tracked 555 persons with ‘Home Quarantine’ stamps on their hands who have gone missing or were found roaming in public places. The detained people have been taken to government quarantine facilities.
“We are using an App to trace such people and we are keeping a regular watch on them. We have also asked the locals to be alert if they see any person with the quarantine stamp roaming around aimlessly to kindly inform the local police station immediately,” the officer added.
The Mumbai Police have formed 13 teams to visit the people who are home-quarantined. Besides this, the local police stations have been provided with a list of people who have been advised to be home-quarantined.
“The government and police personnel are trying their level best to provide service to you. Kindly coordinate with them. Help us help you,” said the PRO, Mumbai Police.
The police also took cognizance of 70,307 complaints to the State Police Control Room and took the necessary action of the various complaints between March 22 and April 17, the official said. The police has also appealed to the people to maintain social distancing when they step out to replenish essential food stock.
As per data released by the State Government, the number of positive cases within the Police Department has reached 30.
“Mobile sanitizer vans and sanitizer units have been installed at several police stations for the police officers. Mobile vans are available in red zones or hot spot areas. Police officers are asked to get themselves properly sanitized when they come in contact with local people in such hotspot areas,” said a police officer attached to the Mumbai Police.
“Citizens are requested to help the police and administration in enforcing the lockdown. It is informed that any violation will be dealt with firmly as per law, including the apprehension of the offenders. Appropriate and stern action will also be taken under the preventive Sections of the law,” says the DGP’s office.
Our Correspondent
