Police launch enforcement for ‘mini lockdown’ in Jamshedpur

Mask is must for everyone while stepping out of home: SSP

Jamshedpur: As people continue to violate the Covid-19 guidelines despite severe second wave, Jamshedpur Police on Saturday launched an awareness-cum-enforcement drive for wearing masks in public places across the city. The drive was led by SSP M Tamil Vanan and City SP Subhash Chandra Jat.

“I appeal to all the residents to wear masks whenever they leave their home. Together, we will defeat Corona,” said SSP Vanan. He said that a mask is a must for everyone while stepping out of home. Mask is not a substitute for a helmet. Both are required while riding.

The drive was aimed to create awareness on social distancing and wearing masks, in market places and busy areas.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur police have announced to register FIRs against persons found roaming on roads without wearing masks. The police will register FIRs under the Disaster Management Act and other sections of the IPC.

The administration has 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 have decided to file FIR on people coming out without a proper mask. Even the Union Government has made masks a must for every citizen. On Saturday we warned several 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.

The police team is also educating the people that the mask must be placed over the nose, mouth and chin and ensure there are no gaps on either side of the mask, adjust to fit.

“ We want people to understand that they must avoid touching the mask, while using it. They should also change the mask after six hours or as soon as they become wet and never reuse disposable masks and dispose of the used masks into closed bins after disinfecting them. After removal of the mask, they must clean hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub disinfectant,” he noted.

While the social distancing is not being maintained in city markets but the cops seem to be overactive in driving even the stray morning walkers back home. The cops are not even allowing anyone to sit in front of one’s house, intimidating to be implicated in police cases.