Govt eyes Corona-free State Violators of lockdown to be punished
   Date :24-Mar-2020

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(left)Police personnel stopping people loitering unnecessarily on roads and warning them. (right) Defying imposition of lockdown, people came out of their houses in large numbers in the Capital.
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
RAIPUR
 
The State Government has decided to take legal action against people unnecessarily roaming on roads without any valid reason despite complete lockdown. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has appealed to all to remain inside their houses and directed all the officials to strictly bring into compliance the advisories issued by Government of India.
 
The State Government has asked people to take lockdown seriously and save themselves and their family members from falling prey to coronavirus infection. The Chief Minister has asked to follow advisories issued by Centre and State Governments seriously to fight against this deadly menace. The Chief Minister also stated that all people are responsible citizens and they should fulfill their responsibilities by not doing anything which might increase the possibility of spreading COVID-19. He said as the country is approaching Stage-3, numbers of COVID-19 infected cases are rising. Presently there is only one positive case in Chhattisgarh, which is in control.
 
This has been possible only due to the awareness of people here. He called upon the people to comply with the advisories and continue with their cooperation till March 31. Accordingly, the State Government has appealed to the people to not roam around without any valid reasons and asked people stay inside. It has further stated that the State Government will be taking legal action against people found loitering on roads without any valid reasons. The state government has asked the police department to comply with the lockdown strictly. With an intention towards control and prevention of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 infection, the state government has banned movement of all commercial vehicles including buses, taxis, autorickshaws and e-rickshaws in the state till March 31, 2020. For necessary action and its compliance the order has been issued to all Regional,
 
Additional Regional and District Transport Officers with necessary directives. Maintaining social distancing and remaining at home is the only solution to combat against Novel Coronavirus COVID-19. 
 
‘Stern legal action if anyone found venturing out sans sound reasons’
 
Staff Reporter
 
BHILAI, 
 
POLICE will initiate stern legal action if anyone found venturing out sans sound reasons as lockdown has been effected up to March 31 by the State Government. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar Yadav informed that police have made deployment of officials and personnel for ensuring effective compliance of Government directives. He categorically stated that no one will be exempted if found roaming.
 
The police would initiate stern legal action which could be imposition of heavy fine to lodging FIR against erring person as per provisions of the criminal codes and acts concerned. He informed that during lockdown all shops (except essential services viz ration, medical shops etc), establishments and restaurants to remain closed but those maintaining delivery of food parcels at home points could function.
 
Apart from this public transport (except emergency) like bus and auto should be off road while the vehicles engaged in ambulance, medical services and other essential services are allowed. The police would also not allow people traveling in their private vehicles without sound reasons. The retail outlets and Non-banking Financial Company (NBFC) viz insurance private finance company offices etc and also the private school and colleges should remain closed. SSP Yadav also informed that police have already created check points and deployed adequate patrolling parties for ensuring effective compliance of government directives. He appealed populace to cooperate with administration and police to check possible spread of the pandemic. He also appealed people to inspire their near and dear ones to not to venture out until it is emergency.