Jamshedpur, July 18: As of its harsh steps to curb the spike in the Covid cases, the city police on Saturday launched a drive against pillion riders.
“We have announced that from today onward no one will sit a pillion as sitting stuck behind a two-wheeler tends to pave way for the Coronavirus. If anyone has to reach anywhere, either walk down the distance or hire an auto-rickshaw,” said deputy superintendent of police (traffic) Shivendra Kumar.
Kumar said while for the two-wheeler only the rider is allowed with helmet and face-mask, in a four-wheeler and three-wheeler three persons, including the driver are allowed to travel, also wearing the mask.
The traffic police carried out an intense checking drive in the localities which include Jugsalai, Golmuri, Mango, Sakchi and Bistupur since 10 am today and made the pillion-riders to get down from the two wheelers. While implementing the new norms, the cops did not spare even the elderly pillion riders or females as well as children.
City SP Subhash Chandra Jat said that pillion riding has been banned in the city and people are being requested to follow the orders. The decision has been taken in the wake of pandemic COVID-19.
�We are spreading awareness that people should not come out of their houses without any reason. Only two persons including the driver will be allowed in private cars and these rules are being strictly implemented in the city.
He said that the idea is to make people follow guidelines on social distancing. People visiting doctors or attending emergency work have been exempted from the orders.
The administration has also made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask (either three-layered or made of cloth) if they are outside their homes. And those violating this rule are being booked by police.
An official informed that if anyone found roaming without a mask will be booked under section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of IPC.
�We are following instructions given by the Union Government for every citizen. Every day we warn persons who were found without masks. They were going to buy essential commodities but not wearing masks in the Sakchi area. We have warned them that the police will register FIRs against them for offence under section 188 (disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code�, said the police official.
Moreover, persons over 65 years of age, persons with other diseases, pregnant women and children below ten years of age are advised to stay home except for essential services and health purposes.