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Social distancing: Police close down crowded Akalgarh market in Ludhiana
Challans issued to commuters riding cars and two-wheelers for not abiding by rules for minimum passengers
Police closed down the congested Akalgarh market in Chaura Bazaar here on Tuesday after seeing social distancing norms being flouted. The main gate of the market was closed, but shopkeepers opened their businesses after entering through the backdoor.
The police also closed the shops at Caliber Plaza near Bhadaur House.
Meanwhile, the police also came down heavily on double-riding on two-wheelers and issued challans to violators. They also challaned the people who did not maintain social distancing while travelling in cars. Only three persons, including the driver, are allowed to travel in a car.
CRACKDOWN ON NIGHT DEFAULTERS BEGINS
The police rounded up more than 30 people for roaming on roads after 7pm and lodged FIRs against them under Sections 188 (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code.
As many as 555 vehicles were challaned and another 96 impounded for venturing out after 7pm, when the night curfew till 7am begins. According to the police, the drive will continue daily.
Informing that the police had installed special checkpoints at all major points in the city, commissioner of police Rakesh Kumar Agrawal said stern action will be taken against all types of violators and FIRs lodged against them.
“We have spent nearly two months in lockdown, but the danger of coronavirus is still not gone. By taking some precautions, we can fight the virus, but people are roaming around freely, forgetting the lurking danger,” said the police chief.
“People have been allowed to move around from 7am to 7pm, but we request people to venture out only if there is an emergency,” he added.
The commissioner added the shopkeepers will also face action if they didn’t close their shops after 6pm.
