Maharashtra: Men in khaki out on streets as 10-day lockdown sets in

MUMBAI/THANE: The satellite cites of Thane and Kalyan-Dombivli entered into a total lockdown on Thursday amid highest single-day spike in cases. Mira-Bhayander, where the 10-day lockdown kicked in on Wednesday, also witnessed the highest singleday tally with 171 cases and four deaths on Thursday. Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) reported 115 cases, taking the total to 2,392, while two deaths have pushed the toll to 79.

With rising cases, police were out on the streets keeping away vehicles and people. In Mira-Bhayander, barricades were put up at every nook and corner. In Kalyan-Dombivli, cops cracked down on two-wheeler riders who were out without a valid reason.
The arterial vegetable market at Jambhli in Thane was open till 11am, but with barely any customers. Grocers were given time slots to operate, but most stayed shut as there was no clarity on timings. Pillion riders and cars flouting rules were penalized. BJP corporator Narayan Pawar has sought relaxation for autos and taxis in the first half of the lockdown.
In Ulhasnagar, cops were deployed at junctions to control vehicular movement. While residents stayed indoors in Kalyan-Dombivli, in PCMC areas, people thronged grocery shops and vegetable markets. Prices of essential commodities spiked, and stocks were wiped out in several retail outlets in Panvel.
Navi Mumbai residents said they were cautiously buying essential goods as the region is under lockdown from Friday midnight.
Nerul-based citizen activist, Anarjit Chauhan, questioned why the APMC wholesale market at Vashi has not been closed. “APMC was a hotspot during the initial lockdown phases, it should not be spared in the new lockdown,” said Chauhan.