Lockdown Violation: Udupi DC and SP Conduct Surprise Inspection in City

Lockdown Violation: Udupi DC and SP Conduct Surprise Inspection in City

Udupi: Deputy commissioner G Jagadeesh, Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan and Additional SP Kumarchandra on April 17, conducted surprise visits to the city’s check-posts to inspect the effective implementation of COVID-19 lockdown.

The DC and SP started their visit from Kalsanka Junction. During the visit, they checked on how the lower rung of the administration was functioning. They also checked the number of people getting out of their homes and how many were roaming around without valid reasons. Around 20 vehicles were seized during the surprise check.

They stopped vehicles, checked the goods they carried, where they came from and where they were headed. They advised the people to follow the safety measures, as mandated by the government. They also warned people of strict legal action if the lockdown norms were violated.

Speaking to Media persons DC Jagadeesh said, “Some people have taken the lockdown orders very lightly in the district. Many people are getting out of their homes and roaming around without valid reasons. People should walk to the nearest provision stores to buy groceries, fruits or vegetables rather than go out on vehicles and expose themselves to the virus”.

DC Jagadeesh further said, “The lockdown order by the district administration should not be taken lightly. Time is given to shops selling groceries, vegetables, and medicines. If we come across anyone misusing the lockdown norms, strict action will be initiated,” he warned.

As per the analysed data from the state, Udupi is testing 34 suspects per lakh population which is a very good testing rate and a good attempt to contain community transmission.The population in Udupi district is 11,77,361. As many as 403 samples were tested for Covid-19 in the district.

Many people are spreading rumors on social media that Udupi is under the safe Zone. Yes, till now, we are safe and have registered only 3 positive cases. But no one can take it lightly since some days ago Vijayapura and Belagavi districts had zero positive cases, but today, they have registered many new cases. He also warned that action would be initiated against those spreading rumors on social media and refuse to stay indoors.

The DC also said that the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown is extended in the country till May 3. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced revised guidelines to be followed during the lockdown after 20th April. According to it, only private vehicles for emergency services that include medical and veterinary care will be allowed along with the ones used to procure essential commodities. Moreover, the Government has allowed only a maximum of two persons for a private four-wheeler where both are not allowed to be seated together in the front. Instead, the one apart from the driver will have to sit at the rear. On the other hand, in the case of two-wheelers, only the rider is allowed that too only to purchase essential supplies.

Udupi DySP Jaishanker, DAR DySP Raghavendra, CPI Manjunath, Traffic SI Khader, and others were also present during the surprise visit.