Jamshedpur, May 19: As many as 60 morning walkers were detained by the police for not wearing masks and not following social distancing. The drive was carried out near Jubilee Park and Kadma Joggers’ Park. Those detained were taken to camp jail located at Motilal Nehru Public School.
Jubilee Park and Kadma Joggers’ Park are a major attraction for residents with nearly 2,000 walkers coming here daily on an average.
A police official said that most of those detained were also not wearing masks which are mandatory in the wake of COVID-19. He said that under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, a person can be jailed for six months or have to pay Rs 1,000 as fine or both, for disobeying rules and endangering life, health and safety of another person.
“We have been receiving complaints against morning walkers violating norms. The parks are closed down in view of lockdown but the morning walkers are seen roaming around the parks. Most of them do not follow protocols of social distancing. They also avoid wearing masks. We request them to exercise in your home for a few days,” he added.
Asking people not to venture out of their houses, he said social distancing is the only way to stay safe against the virus, which has infected more than 40,000 people in East Singhbhum alone.
The police official said that walking does not come under essential services. He said that it may be a harsh decision, but maintains it is for the good of people in general. “We are only asking people to remain indoors for the safety of everyone,” he said.
The police administration has made up its mind to clamp down on those who are not wearing masks amidst coronavirus. SSP M Tamil Vanan has issued instructions to all officers and police stations in this regard. These instructions have been given to control corona infection.
According to the police administration, action will be taken against those who do not comply with the government orders. The Senior Superintendent of Police appealed to the general public to wear masks while following the rules of lockdown to prevent the Corona infection.
The SSP said that the number of corona infected patients is increasing in the district continuously. In such a situation, it is necessary to follow the rules of lockdown by wearing masks and follow physical distance while leaving the house. In view of the negligence of the people, the district police are vigorously conducting a mask checking campaign. Under this, strict action will be taken against those who leave the house without applying masks.
