Beware! Stepping out on city roads without wearing a mask would cost you a fine along with legal action. Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Singh issued a joint order to collect fine and take legal action against those who do not use masks and violate social distancing norms in public places.
Even as the police are registering cases against lockdown violators besides confiscating their vehicles, the district administration has started slapping a fine on those who come out of their houses without masks, which play a significant role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The action came into force from Sunday after Deputy Commissioner Bokaro Rajesh Kumar Singh empowered local bodies to collect fine.
To enforce ‘Mask-wearing’ and ‘social distancing’ strictly district administrative officials came out on street, inspected many public place across the district.
A flying squad has been formed at each police station across the district to keep an eye on those who are not wearing a face mask in public place and violating social distancing norms, said DC Bokaro.
It has been also directed to the squads, to create awareness among shopkeepers on the spread of Covid-19 and issue warnings to shopkeepers if they are found violating rules. They should issue challans to those not wearing masks on roads and other public places, said Singh.
He directed squads to take legal action against the common people for not using masks and violating social distancing. “No negligence will be tolerated,” added DC.
During night curfew, the squad will ensure that there is no public movement on the roads and other public areas, said an official.
“The squad members also have the power to book those who violate rules under IPC Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
However, sometimes people are booked under Section 151 of the CrPC (arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences).
Under this section, a person can be detained for 24 hours without any order from the magistrate. Under Section 188 of the IPC, a person can be sent to jail for a term of six months, said the official.
DC appealed, “It mandatory for every resident of the district, who is required to move out of the house, is required to wear a mask and comply with social distancing.”
The use of masks, observing social distancing and periodically washing hands almost eliminate the risk of corona infection, he said.