Pune: Violation of lockdown rules and traffic norms has landed over 2,000 people in trouble in Pune. Pune police have already issued strict guidelines and have stated that lockdown violators will face strict action. Pune police have already started taking actions against those who are not following norms, such as not wearing a mask, unnecessary venturing and more.

During July 3-July 7, more than 262 vehicles were seized whereas over 2,432 people were booked by the city police. Pune police have booked people after they breached lockdown norms such as travelling without mask, venturing in containment zones, travelling without e-pass, moving around during curfew and more.

Pune City Police has recorded a total of 2,432 cases in the first week of July, against those people walking on roads without any aim (901), against those not wearing masks (778), people using vehicles without any reason (3,360), vehicles seized (262), shops open beyond the allowed timings (45), vehicles with more than allowed capacity (1,070) and violating social distancing in shops (3).

K Venkatesham, Pune Police Commissioner has also ordered police personnel to take stringent actions against the lockdown violators and also the patrolling in the city has intensified.

Talking to Sakal Times, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ravindra Shisve said, “The police have intensified the actions as the number of people are seen flouting the lockdown norms. Though there are some relaxations on the lockdown, people should not misuse it. People should understand the rising spread of the novel coronavirus in the city and people must take proper care.”

“More stringent actions will be taken against such violators. The police has already installed multiple check posts in the city as well as the patrolling will be intensified.”

Currently, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad which are an epicentre of the novel coronavirus have night curfew between 10 pm and 5 am, in agreement with the Maharashtra government’s directives. Pune city now has 109 areas delineated as micro-containment zones, which have distant stricter rules than non-containment areas.

As the number of COVID-19 cases rises outside containment zones, Pune Police have increased action against violations of safety norms.

Meanwhile, 1,147 new coronavirus cases were reported in the city on Wednesday with 19 deaths.

Edited by Pranav Jalan