Ludhiana police ask commuters not to cover their faces

In wake of the heightened alert over terror activities and the increase in crime, police have issued an order asking people not to cover their faces while commuting on city roads.

In wake of the heightened alert over terror activities and the increase in crime, police have issued an order asking people not to cover their faces while commuting on city roads.

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Police commissioner Paramraj Singh Umranangal has banned commuters and pedestrians in the city from covering their faces.

Under Section 144 of the CrPC, directions have been issued not to cover the faces while walking or driving on roads, which makes recognising a person difficult.
Police have also given the increased number of snatchings by motorcyclists as a reason behind the ban.

"The orders for not covering the face have been issued owing to the increased number of snatching incidents in the city," the police commissioner said. He said many miscreants covered their face and were able to hide their identity successfully.

However, the ban would soon be amended for women. The ban does not apply to those suffering from skin diseases and those who are under medical supervision. The ban will continue till October 18.

Police have also asked shopkeepers selling clothes to maintain a record of those buying army and police uniforms.

There have been several incidents of loot and snatching in which criminals had covered their faces. Some ATM loots had also taken place in which the miscreants could not be identified as they had covered their faces.