Strictly enforce lockdown, show zero tolerance to cyber crimes: HM to cops

Nagpur: State home minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday reviewed the law and order situation in the city. He urged cops to strictly enforce lockdown norms to ensure Covid distancing, use of masks and proper implementation of alternate day system for shops, especially in markets.
The minister’s instructions regarding shops came in view of crowding at markets like Sitabuldi and Gokulpeth.
Deshmukh, now camping in the city, has also asked cyber cops to show zero tolerance against objectionable posts on women and communally sensitive ones. He has also asked them to keep a tab on corona-related rumours and misinformation on social media.
The home minister, in a first, has asked cops to slap preventive actions under section 107 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to keep a check on cyber violators and also engage services of IT experts to ensure quick and prompt actions.
City police’s addl CP Nilesh Bharne apprised Deshmukh of warning issued to 400 people, 11 arrests in 12 offences and notices served to nine persons for various types of cyber offences during the lockdown.
The HM urged senior government officials including collector and civic body chief to motivate plasma donors and encourage anti-body tests to reduce the mortality rate.
The civic body officials were told to contemplate curtailing shop timing by two hours. Currently, shops are allowed to remain open from 9am to 7pm.
After guardian minister Nitin Raut expressed disappointment over police going soft on violators, Deshmukh asked them to pull up their socks and act tough against violators.
He also instructed the police department to ensure a peaceful festive season while following lockdown norms.