Thoroughfares of the State capital largely bore a deserted look on Thursday except alert cops dotting public spaces and ambulances screaming and racing to carry patients to hospitals after Jharkhand government announced state-wide lockdown to break transmission chain of Covid 19 virus.
The lockdown starting from 6 AM on Thursday morning will remain effective till morning of April 29.
Sources in the police said that about five companies of cops, 30 PCR vans and 30 cops of bike quick reaction teams besides a number of magistrates were deployed across the city limit to enforce lockdown.
While cops were deployed at as many as 93 locations of Ranchi and even a flag march was conducted on Mahatma Gandhi road. Till late Wednesday night Ranchi SSP Surendra Kumar Jha was briefing the officer in-charge of police stations about the lockdown protocols.’
Officials were instructed to enforce lockdown and fine people who deliberately violate rule. Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan, Ranchi SSP along with other officials hit the road.
“There is a list of shops that can remain open like grocery, medicine and likes. Rules have been categorically explained that are needed to be followed by these shops as well people. We are asking people not to venture out without any valid reason and protective gears. Actions will be taken if anybody found violating lockdown,” said Ranchi SSP.
In some cases, officials slapped fines of Rs 500 on people for violating lockdown protocols and people were mainly fined for not wearing masks.
The Upper Bazaar, one of the busiest commercial hubs, remained completely closed except for a few shops.
In the morning at Lalpur chowk, a sizable crowd was seen. On being inquired all of them were found to be labourers who daily assemble to get work.
“Yes, we know there is a lockdown and the lockdown is for our safety. But I need money to run my family. My husband died about five years back and I have two small kids at home. Poor are the worst sufferers,” said Anita Toppo.