Belagavi cops collect Rs 43,000 fine from 429 for spitting, not wearing masks

Shreyas HS | TNN | Apr 25, 2020, 18:47 IST

Photo for representative purpose only

BELAGAVI: More than 400 people were penalised with a fine of Rs 100 each for spitting on roads and not wearing face masks in public in different parts of Belagavi district on Thursday.
The move by the district administration comes in compliance with a recent directive issued by the ministry of home affairs for Covid-19 management, which made spitting in public spaces a punishable offence. Wearing masks is also mandatory and states can take action under the Disaster Management Act.
The district police collected a record Rs 42,900 in just 24 hours from 429 offenders under 22 police station limits. The police department on Thursday launched a special drive in the district after deputy commissioner SB Bommanahalli instructed them to book the lockdown violators.
Of the 429 violators, 342 were fined for spitting and 87 for not wearing masks. Aigali police station limits saw 79 such cases -- highest in the district so far. Harugeri police booked 50 cases and Khanapur cops fined 39 people.
“The drive – to contain the spread of coronavirus -- will continue in the district. It might not happen every day, but depending on the day’s schedule and cops’ availability, we will plan the campaign in the district,” senior police officials said.
Speaking to TOI, superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi said: “We are penalising offenders to create awareness on Covid-19. When we launch such drives, it becomes news. People debate on the topic and some awareness is created.”
Nimbargi said the department will conduct such drives intermittently. “We couldn’t conduct the drive on Friday as two fresh cases were reported in Belagavi. Majority of the cops are on duty outside hospitals, several checkposts and containment zones.”
Raibagh resident Rajesh Patil praised the police action to contain Covid-19. “People should learn social distancing and sneezing etiquette, which are important elements in this fight. Spitting in the open is a major problem and has to be dealt with seriously.”