Late-night shops under scanner as Jamshedpur administration steps up vigilance

Jamshedpur: In an effort to strengthen law and order, the Jamshedpur police have intensified enforcement against late-night commercial establishments, directing shopkeepers to strictly adhere to prescribed closing hours. The move comes amid growing concerns over crime and incidents linked to gatherings around shops that remain open late into the night.

Acting on the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ehtesham Waqarib, the police have widened their enforcement drive after recently launching a campaign to regulate the sale of chapads (heavy cleavers), which have allegedly been used in several violent crimes in the city.

The police have directed vendors dealing in chapads to comply with government regulations. According to officials, such items can only be sold after obtaining the required permission from the district administration, while sellers are also required to secure the necessary administrative authorisation.

Station House Officers (SHOs) across the city have been instructed to prepare and maintain a list of all shops selling chapads within their respective police station limits to ensure regular monitoring.

The latest measures follow a series of violent crimes that have raised concerns over public safety in Jamshedpur. Several recent murder cases have reportedly involved sharp-edged weapons such as chapads and axes, prompting the police to adopt stricter preventive measures.

Officials believe regulating the sale of such weapons, along with restricting late-night commercial activities, will help curb unlawful gatherings and improve the overall security situation.

As part of the intensified drive, officials from the district administration and the police jointly inspected the Station Road market in Jugsalai and interacted with local traders regarding compliance with operating hours.

During the inspection, shopkeepers were instructed to ensure that all establishments on Station Road close by 10:30 pm. Authorities warned that the directive would be strictly enforced and that legal action would be initiated against any establishment found operating beyond the prescribed time.

Officials said the restrictions are aimed at maintaining peace, public order and the safety of residents. They appealed to the business community to cooperate with the administration by following the notified closing hours and complying with all applicable regulations.

The police have indicated that similar inspections and enforcement drives will continue across different parts of the city as part of efforts to strengthen law and order and prevent criminal activities.