Violators of lockdown rules punished under section 188 of IPC

Anil Deshmukh, the Home Minister of Maharashtra, recently took to Twitter to announce that several offenders violating the lockdown rules were punished under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

As many as 1,30,396 offences have been regd. u/s 188 of IPC since the lockdown leading to 26,887 arrests & seizure of 82,344 vehicles.

₹7,65,19,701 have been collected in fines from offenders.

— ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) June 16, 2020

The violations have led to 26,887 arrests and seizure of 82,344 vehicles. Furthermore, ₹7,65,19,701 has been collected in fines from the offenders. Mumbai, which has relaxed its lockdown restrictions recently have been witnessing heavy traffic and a surge in overcrowding in the city which has been plagued by the coronavirus.

In the past, more than 6,000 vehicles are known to be impounded by the police. Auto rickshaws and bikes followed by many private cars were impounded. The Maharashtra government had earlier allowed the resumption of work in private workplaces with 10 per cent of the staff. Along with private workplaces, the government offices are also said to function with 15 per cent of the staff. This has brought the citizens of Mumbai on the streets, mostly with their private vehicles, trying to reach their offices. Although two-wheelers are not allowed to take pillion riders, several two-wheelers were witnessed traversing with a pillion. As per the "Mission Begin Again" initiated by the Government of Maharashtra, several workplaces had begun work. In view of this, the Best Administration has approved transportation for office goers as well. Shop goers can also travel on the buses of Best.

In the past week, massive traffic was observed by people all over the city of Mumbai. There were several reports of congestion being witnessed on the Western and Eastern Highways, Sion-Panvel road, Toll Naka and Sion vegetable market. However, the local train, which was closed for nearly two months due to the coronavirus outbreak has started its operations on Monday. Although only the essential service personnel will be able to travel through this locomotive, it is expected to ease up the traffic on the streets.