KOLKATA: Night restrictions will be back from 10pm to 5am and all persons travelling at night should either carry valid IDs, hospital-issued documents, travel documents, or earlier issued e-passes, police said.
West Bengal chief secretary HK Dwivedi on Sunday announced that movement of people, vehicles and public gatherings of any kind will be prohibited between 10pm and 5am. Only essential and emergency services will be permitted.
Officers clarified that those with valid ID cards — ones they have been using before restrictions were eased — need not worry. “The same documents must be kept ready to show at nakas,” said an ACP.
Lalbazar has asked all its men on duty to allow everyone with valid documents and ID cards, even if they do not carry e-passes. Documents issued by hospitals and travel tickets too will be considered.
The drink-driving nakas at night will now be even more strict while checking vehicles post 10 pm.
“We have had enough experience last year and it will be nothing new,” said a joint commissioner, stating that breathalyzer tests will continue.
The police said that they will also carry out massive crackdown on those not wearing masks. “While vehicle checks will be stringent at night, we have asked all units to intensify mask vigil during the day,” said a senior officer.
According to cops the focus will be on the markets. On Saturday and Sunday (till 3pm and even before the state imposed restrictions), cops had already charged 1,277 persons for not wearing masks and arrested 786 individuals for breaking Covid protocols.
“If you have ventured out with your car despite not being an essential-duty person or travelled without any medical emergency, be prepared to receive an SMS from us asking you to explain your action,” said an officer.
Those receiving such SMS will be asked to send a clarification email. “We will use our CCTV cameras to track down such vehicles that will violate restrictions. If the explanation provided is found to be unsatisfactory, we will slap charges under IPC section 188 and section 51 (b) of the Disaster Management Act,” said a senior officer at Lalbazar.
Officers from police stations and traffic guards are seeking more clarity about the night drives.
“According to the order, malls, markets, restaurants and pubs can operate till 10pm. The same order says night restrictions too will start at 10pm. Earlier, there was nothing specific on whether patrons and employees of these places will be accorded time to return home,” claimed a cop on EM Bypass.
