No requirement of e-pass for travel during curfew: Maharashtra DGP

Clarifying on the movement of vehicles during the coronavirus-induced restrictions imposed in the state, Maharashtra's in-charge DGP Sanjay Pandey on Wednesday, April 14, said that no e-pass is required.

He further added that only those vehicles that are involved in emergency services and those private vehicles that come out with a valid reason are allowed to operate during the restrictions.

"We had requested the government not to implement e- pass system. Accordingly, there is no requirement of e-pass for travel," he said.

The top cop made these statements during a press conference, the first time after taking over the additional charge of the state Director General of Police (DGP). He was given the additional charge last week.

During the coronavirus-induced lockdown last year, people were required to carry e-pass for travel in vehicles.

He also stated that the police personnel should not penalise or lathi charge if any person comes out on the street with a valid reason for essential or emergency work. "But if anyone is found coming out without any valid reason despite the instructions, then stern action will be taken against the violator," he said.

Police and all the frontline workers are fighting this war for the safety of citizens, he said, adding, "We need their cooperation and they only have only to stay at home."

The people, who work in the exempted category, should carry ID cards, valid letters for verification by government authorities while checking for violation of government guidelines, he said.

Implementation of the government orders will strictly be done during the night also, he said, adding that for any confusion and queries people can contact the local police stations and police control rooms.

All police officers and other personnel will be on the roads in two shifts," he said, adding that around 13,280 home guards have been deployed in all the police commissionerates and districts," he said.

Nearly 22 companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) will be deployed if required, the official said.

At least 81 per cent of police personnel have been vaccinated against coronavirus, and this figure excludes the staff in Mumbai city, he said.

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced severe, curfew-like restrictions on public movement over the next 15 days across the state to curb the COVID-19 surge.