KOLKATA: Kolkata Police prosecuted 261 persons for not wearing masks by noon on Saturday, during the joint awareness drive conducted with KMC at the city markets to enforce compulsory use of masks. Compared to Friday when there were just 115 prosecutions till noon or the 106 charged on Thursday, Saturday’s numbers were double and forced cops to take strict action.
Among areas where the number of prosecutions were high were New Market, where those violating rules were put into police vans and fined Rs 100 before being allowed to go. The numbers were also high at Maniktala, Ultadanga and Girish Park. In comparison, cops claimed Gariahat saw much greater compliance. “We found people were more careful while shopping for Pujas. In comparison, the grocery and fish markets saw far greater violations,” said an officer.
“We have begun announcements outside the market complexes once again. We are asking the gated communities to be careful as the numbers are beginning to rise. We are also asking everyone to wear masks, disinfect the common passages and lifts from time to time and restrict entry of outsiders. At markets, it is important everyone wears a mask and each tries to maintain some distance. Anyone breaking the rules will face arrests and will be charged under the Disaster Management Act,” said the officer.
The cops, though, said that the tendency to not wear masks has seen a rise this month. “The fear factor is still missing despite the rise in daily Covid cases. We have been handing challans to 150-200 people daily since the past week. Even on Wednesday, we issued challans to 86 people till noon.” said a joint commissioner at Lalbazar.
Traders of major markets will also be asked to sell items only to those buyers who have masks. KMC Board of Administrators chairman Firhad Hakim on Friday held an urgent meeting to enforce Covid protocols at major markets. Later, Hakim said the civic body will act against the traders who will entertain customers without masks.
Kolkata’s markets had become hot spots of Covid infection last year.
