AURANGABAD: Commissioner of police Nikhil Gupta informed that night curfew will be imposed across the city starting from Tuesday night — from 11pm to 6am till March 8.
The decision was taken unanimously during a closed door meeting between district collector Sunil Chavan, municipal administrator Astik Kumar Pandey and Gupta. Only essential services apart from industries, media-related services, goods transport services have been exempted from this.
To ensure effective night curfew, 55 four-wheelers and 25 two-wheelers apart from senior officers will patrol the city streets. As per the issued instructions, those found violating the norms will be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Epidemic Diseases Act.
Gupta said, “We want the citizens to avoid social, religious and political gatherings, unless it is utmost important or emergency in nature. If situation goes out of hand, we will be compelled to go ahead with lockdown.”
Authorities clarified that at this stage, situation in Aurangabad is absolutely under control and can definitely improve, provided citizens start behaving responsibly.
“Follow social distancing as well as hygiene-related norms while stepping out of home as well as while travelling and while being at their respective work places. This will definitely ensure that things remain under control,” Pandey said.
District administration has clarified that no decision has been taken so far on bringing any curbs or restrictions on weekly and daily markets. However, citizens have been warnedto take utmost precautionary measures including use of face masks, so that fine is not imposed on them by the squads.
Following the meeting, Gupta issued instructions to all the four divisions of traffic police to ensure that none of the public or private transport services including auto-rickshaws ferry more passengers more than the permissible limits.
“Those vehicles found carrying more number of passengers or if their drivers or passengers are found without mask, will face action,” assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Suresh Wankhede said.