In its attempt to enforce night curfew in full force, the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police issued a circular on Wednesday. Police said, “It will patrol the streets at night and seize vehicles, as it used to in the first few months of the lockdown. The police will also ensure that no shops or establishments function beyond the stipulated time limits assigned by the government.”
Tukaram Tatkar, PRO, MBVV Police, said: “There will be strict enforcement of night curfew. An order under Section 144 (of CrPC) has been issued. Personnel from local police stations will be out on the roads at night in full strength from Wednesday.
According to sources, “Zonal DCPs have also asked to be on the streets in their respective zones at night.”
The Maharashtra government had on Monday announced a night curfew from Tuesday till January 5 to ensure there is no spike in Covid-19 cases during Christmas and New Year’s Eve when many people celebrate on the roads.
Kailash Barve, senior PI, Naya Nagar Police Station said, “There are going to be increased nakabandis on the roads. Unless someone has an essential service, if people are spotted on the roads post 11 pm and before 6 am, their vehicles will be seized as we had done earlier. We do not want people crowding roads at night and request them to celebrate at home.”
Another factor that has led to the night curfew has been the spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in countries like the UK due to a new strain of coronavirus.
Commissioner Date’s appeal
However, the release from the MBVV Commissioner Sadanand Date states, “There will be no unnecessary use of force. However, we will be firm in implementing these orders. People must realise that measures are being put in place keeping in mind their own safety.”
Those who found violating the orders will be charged under section 188 of IPC.
What will be open?
Vehicles used for essential services, transportation of medical services, vehicles transporting dairy products, vegetable transportation will be allowed on roads.
What will be closed?
All shops will have to shut down by 11 pm. All non-essential travel will not be allowed after 11 pm. More than five people cannot assemble outside during the specified hours. Pub, resorts, hotels and restaurants, sports complexes and competitions, societies programs, private parties, cultural programmes, entertainment shows etc.
