Authorities mull imposing curfew across city as infection on the rise

While strict restrictions already enforced in four key areas, top cop Venkatesham said move is needed as citizens flouting rules

The steady increase in the number of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city has led authorities to look for stricter measures to contain the spread of the virus. Since the virus spreads fast due to human-to-human contact, the city’s law enforcement department has cordoned off key areas under four police jurisdictions. Curfews have been imposed in these localities from April 7 to 14.

If the curve is not seen to be flattening in the next few days, similar restrictions will be imposed across the city, Pune police commissioner K Venkatesham said in an official statement on Wednesday.

The four jurisdictions where the curfew has been enforced are Khadak, Faraskhana, Swargate and Kondhwa, where movement has been banned. Legal action will be taken against citizens flouting curfew norms and roaming the city without any valid reason, the statement further mentioned. It can be mentioned here that Pune police have taken action against more than 4,500 people so far.


Since Wednesday morning, similar curfew has been imposed in Sinhagad Road, Vadgaon, Dhayari, Narhe, Hingne and adjoining areas. Law enforcement officials have been patrolling the streets, appealing citizens to stay indoors.

While Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had already issued orders to people in many parts of Sinhagad Road to be under home quarantine, locals allegedly are not taking the diktat seriously, with many stepping out for trivial errands. Such blatant violations of the rule have prompted police to enforce strict restrictions, said officials.

Addressing the media, Venkatesham said, “The city has seen a spike in the number of active cases as well as deaths due to COVID-19 in the past few days. Despite this, citizens seem to be out and about, running errands and casually roaming the streets. If things don’t change for the better in the coming days, a curfew will be imposed across the city. Citizens are advised to stock up for 10 days and not venture out for grocery daily. Roaming the city aimlessly has been banned since Tuesday.”

Around 500 police personnel conducted route march in Katraj Chowk on Wednesday to alert the public about the curfew imposed. They have stepped up police patrolling to keep a watch on unruly people.