Pune Police impose fine on 5000 citizens for not wearing masks at public places

Pune: The city police have started imposing fines of Rs 500 on citizens who are found not wearing masks while moving around in public places. So far, action has been taken against 5204 citizens by the police administration in different parts of the city. Even those citizens who were having a mask in their possession but not covering their nose and mouth properly were also acted upon by the police.

Most of the transactions in the city have started smoothly since the lockdown rules were relaxed. While the city is on the verge of returning to normalcy, on the other hand the number of Covid-19 patients in the city has also been on the rise in the last few days.

Against this backdrop, as per the state government's order, the Pune Municipal Corporation, the police administration and the health department are constantly alerting and appealing citizens to wear masks and to follow social distancing norms. Yet the current situation is such that citizens are seen avoiding use of masks.

Along with the Pune municipal corporation, the police have also taken to the streets against the citizens who do not wear masks. Under the guidance of a senior police inspector of each police station, squads of ten policemen have been deployed at roads, major intersections and important places within their boundaries. Concerned authorities and staff are cracking down on citizens who are found not wearing masks. Those who do not wear masks are being fined Rs 500.

Dr Ravindra Shisve, Joint Commissioner of Pune Police said, “Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has from time to time instructed citizens to wear masks. Despite the increasing coronavirus infections in Pune city and region, citizens are not serious about wearing masks. That is why action is being taken by the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune police. The purpose behind the action is not to impose fines, but to protect citizens and others by wearing masks.”