In a unique move the Bengal Government has decided to slap law suits against the violators of corona protocols.
Unlike Maharashtra where the State police have started imposing fines on those who do not wear masks the Bengal police have been asked to take “other legal measures” on the violators of corona protocols, sources said.
“It has been seen that with the beginning of Lockdown – II the people have become reckless and are ignoring the procedures that should be strictly adhered to by them while out of their homes… hence the administration has decided to take some measures,” a senior police officer said. The police at various places on Thursday stopped people not wearing masks, and took down their personal details including names, addresses and phone numbers.
“There were many educated citizens who were seen not following the rules. Let alone the less literate people,” said another officer from the New Alipore Police Station. The names of the violators of corona protocols will be noted and summons will be sent to their respective addresses with directions to appear before the nearest court where they will be required to explain their conduct.
“If they fail to convince the judge then the provisions of National Disaster Management Act will apply against them,” an official said.
Though no ruling Trinamool Congress leader would comment on why fines were not being imposed against erring people a South Kolkata MLA said “perhaps the Government decided against imposing fines to avoid yet another financial controversy.”
Meanwhile, BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee has contacted the corona virus. The Bengali actor-turned-politician who has been in self-quarantine for the past one week tweeted on Thursday “I have tested positive for Covid-19 this morning, having mild fever and was in self-isolation for the past one week. I will keep everyone posted. All is well.”
A close aide later said that her condition was stable with mild fever. “She has been keeping fine and is in isolation inside her home too. There is no need to worry.”
A known star in Bengali movies Chatterjee had joined the TMC in 2012 was inducted in the state Women’s Commission. Later she developed differences with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and joined the BJP in 2015 and became its Mahila Morcha chief. Subsequently she was elevated to the post of party general secretary. She won the Hooghly parliamentary seat by defeating sitting TMC MP Dr Ratna De Nag.