Jamshedpur, April 2: With the 21-day lockdown imposed to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus, the police are acting tough against those violating the norms.� On Thursday SSP Anoop Birtharay himself took to streets at Sakchi to ensure strict implementation of lockdown norms. SSP himself monitored those violating the orders. Along with other senior officials Birtharay was seen sweating out at the streets.�
�Movement of people has been limited to emergency and essential services to contain the possible spread of the coronavirus. In effect, it means citizens cannot come out of their homes and move around in public places unless they have an emergency to explain. We had been requesting and advising people to stay indoors. But for the first time in years, the entire city is witnessing a lockdown and authorities can prosecute those found violating the order,� said an official.
City police have deployed a large force of officers at earmarked crossings to check the movement of vehicles. Multiple teams are patrolling the city to ensure people stay indoors.
The administration has issued a lockdown notice, barring essential and emergency services. �Do not step out of home unless absolutely necessary, otherwise it will not be possible to contain the spread of the contagious virus. Else, be prepared to face the police,� an officer said.
Food items and medicines are among services exempt from the lockdown following the outbreak of the virus.
A resident Amit Kumar said the police were behaving like goons. �In the name of enforcing the lockdown, policemen are behaving like goons and harassing citizens who are going out to buy essential items,� he alleged. �It�s a double crisis for us � first the battle with virus and now police atrocities.�
Residents alleged the cops beat up vegetable sellers and grocery store owners saying they could sell only from 8am to 10am every day.
�This is completely unlawful. The cops are terrorising people rather than helping them in the crisis and not allowing them to buy essential items,� said a resident.